Massad Boulos, Trump’s adviser, claimed peace between Lebanon and Israel is imminent, praising Israeli settlers, which sparked criticism for normalizing occupation. His statements are set against Lebanon’s rejection of such peace, following a violent history of conflict with Israel. Boulos’s comments are part of broader speculations by US officials regarding potential normalization in the region, emphasizing the ongoing complexities and conflicts.
Massad Boulos, an adviser to former President Donald Trump, recently claimed that peace between Lebanon and Israel is “imminent.” This statement has raised concerns among critics who argue it supports Israeli settlers in the West Bank, reinforcing the perception of Israel’s illegitimate occupation and expansion of settlements on Palestinian land. Boulos made these remarks at a meeting in Washington with Yossi Dagan, the chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, which oversees 35 illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory, violating international law.
During the meeting, Boulos offered praises to Israeli settlers, expressing his gratitude in a video shared online. He addressed Dagan with respect, referring to him as “your Excellency.” He emphasized his hope for 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.” However, these statements were met with fierce backlash from Palestinian advocates who accused Boulos of endorsing actions associated with land dispossession and ethnic cleansing.
Dagan lauded Boulos and the Trump administration for their unyielding support of Israeli expansionist policies, saying, “I believe, and I know, God sent us to walk together for the future of the Middle East and the future of the world.” Boulos, a billionaire and former Lebanese parliamentary candidate, significantly influenced Arab American voting in Trump’s campaigns and was appointed an adviser on Middle Eastern affairs.
The backdrop to Boulos’s comments includes rising speculation regarding Lebanon potentially entering a peace agreement with Israel, a sentiment largely rejected by the Lebanese populace. Lebanon does not officially recognize Israel and has laws against contacting Israeli citizens. Tensions persist between Hezbollah and Israel, exacerbated by a violent conflict that resulted in over 6,000 Lebanese deaths, including many civilians.
Israel continues to violate ceasefire terms, conducting airstrikes and allowing settlers to cross into Lebanese territories. Lebanese officials insist that any future negotiations must focus on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas rather than comprehensive normalization. Recent statements from US officials suggest an imminent normalisation of relations with Israel for Lebanon and Syria, contingent upon geopolitical changes and the stability of local regimes.
Massad Boulos’s statement emphasizing imminent peace between Lebanon and Israel, together with his open support for Israeli settlers, has drawn significant criticism for allegedly legitimizing Israel’s occupation. His remarks come amid speculation of potential peace talks rejected by much of Lebanon, highlighting deep-seated tensions and complex geopolitics in the region. The situation underscores the need for negotiations prioritizing withdrawal and local stability over normalization.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
