Massad Boulos, adviser to Trump, claims peace between Lebanon and Israel is imminent, sparking criticism for his support of Israeli settlements. His remarks were made during a meeting with Yossi Dagan, an extreme settler leader. Boulos’s statements reflect contentious views in Lebanon, where contact with Israel remains illegal and peace is met with skepticism.
Massad Boulos, an adviser to former US President Donald Trump, has caused controversy by declaring that peace between Lebanon and Israel is “imminent”. This statement was made during a meeting in Washington with Yossi Dagan, the chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, a group associated with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Critics argue that Boulos’s remarks support the ongoing Israeli occupation and expansion of settlements on Palestinian land.
During the meeting, Boulos expressed his support for Israeli settlers and praised their efforts, stating, “Your Excellency, the governor of Samaria, it’s a big pleasure and an honour to have met you”. He further emphasized his commitment to peace, 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.” Observers noted that his remarks align with figures advocating for the expansion of Israeli settlements, which are widely condemned by the international community.
Dagan, who supports aggressive settlement policies, applauded Boulos and Trump’s administration for their backing of Israel’s territorial ambitions. He expressed a vision for a future dominated by Israeli settlers and claimed that divine guidance has brought them together for the region’s future. Boulos, a Lebanese-American billionaire, previously campaigned to mobilize Arab American support for Trump, leading to his advisory position on Middle Eastern affairs.
There is significant skepticism in Lebanese society regarding Boulos’s assertion of imminent peace; Lebanon does not recognize Israel and prohibits contact between its citizens and Israelis. The historical context of conflict, including the recent skirmishes in 2023, where over 6,000 Lebanese were killed due to Israeli actions, highlights the sensitivities surrounding such discussions.
Lebanon’s leaders have articulated that any negotiations with Israel must prioritize the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and adherence to the 1949 armistice, rather than promoting full normalization. Recent statements from US officials have suggested that Lebanon and Syria might pursue normalization in light of shifting regional dynamics, but many in Lebanon view this with wariness, especially without a resolution for Palestinian independence.
Massad Boulos’s declaration of imminent peace between Lebanon and Israel has sparked significant backlash, particularly for its implications regarding Israeli settlements. His comments reflect a contentious stance within Lebanese society, where contact with Israel remains illegal. The historical context of violence and occupation complicates the call for peace, and Lebanese leaders emphasize that any negotiations must address Israeli withdrawal and prioritize regional stability over normalization. Overall, Boulos’s remarks underscore the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, especially amid ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
