Massad Boulos, a Trump adviser, claimed that peace between Lebanon and Israel could soon be achieved while expressing support for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. His remarks have sparked outrage and criticism, particularly from Palestinian advocates. Despite a turbulent history and ongoing conflicts, there is speculation about potential peace negotiations, although normalization is generally rejected by Lebanese society.
In a recent statement, Massad Boulos, a Middle East adviser to former President Donald Trump, asserted that peace between Lebanon and Israel could be achieved soon. This remark, made during a meeting with Israeli settler leader Yossi Dagan in Washington, has drawn significant backlash due to its perceived endorsement of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which violate international law. Critics argue that Boulos’s comments risk normalizing Israel’s occupation and promoting further settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.
Boulos, whose heritage is Lebanese, was seen shaking hands with Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council representing 35 illegal settlements. During the encounter, Boulos referred to Dagan with respect and expressed support for both Israeli settlers and the citizens of Lebanon and Israel, stating, “We are looking forward to peace, and we are aiming for peace, and by the grace of God, this will be achieved, hopefully, soon.”
His statements resonated poorly with Palestinian advocates, who condemned his alignment with pro-settler rhetoric, viewing it as supportive of land appropriation and ethnic cleansing. Dagan, a known settler advocate, praised Boulos’s sentiments and hailed the Trump Administration’s previous support for Israeli land claims and rejection of Palestinian rights, reinforcing a vision of a settler-dominated West Bank.
Boulos, a billionaire and former Lebanese parliamentary candidate, has been influential in galvanizing Arab American support for Trump. His recent comments surfaced amidst speculation regarding potential peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, a notion largely rejected by the Lebanese populace, who do not officially recognize Israel. Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel engaged in violent clashes in late 2022, resulting in over 6,000 Lebanese fatalities, including numerous civilians.
Despite ongoing hostility, there have been statements from U.S. officials suggesting that normalization between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel could be on the horizon, especially following losses incurred by Hezbollah and political shifts in Syria. Israel’s Foreign Minister hinted that Lebanon might follow the path of Saudi Arabia in establishing formal ties, although such a development would likely be contingent upon Palestinian independence achieving priority.
Massad Boulos’s remarks regarding the potential for peace between Lebanon and Israel have elicited strong reactions due to their endorsement of Israeli settlements, which many view as illegal and exacerbating the conflict. His support for settlers and alignment with controversial figures calls into question the legitimacy of any peace initiative. Overall, Boulos’s statements underscore the complex geopolitical landscape, where any potential for normalization must consider the historical and ongoing hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, as well as Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
