After Hezbollah’s crushing setbacks, Trump policy spurs talk of peace with Israel
In the wake of Israel’s successful campaign against Hezbollah’s terror leadership and the backing of the Trump administration, there is a palpable shift in the political landscape of Lebanon. The U.S. special envoy to Lebanon has made it clear that the goal is to limit the power and influence of the Iran-backed proxy, Hezbollah. Rami Naim, a Lebanon affairs journalist and analyst for Jusoor News, expressed optimism about the prospect of peace with Israel, a sentiment that was previously met with hostility from Hezbollah.
The recent weakening and defeat of Hezbollah, coupled with the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president, marks a significant turning point in the country’s political trajectory. Aoun’s presidency has been seen as a victory for the anti-Hezbollah camp and has paved the way for a shift in public opinion regarding peace with Israel.
Many Lebanese citizens are now open to the idea of normalization with Israel, a sentiment that was captured in interviews conducted by Jussor, a pan-Arab media outlet. The prospect of peace with Israel is gaining traction, with one interviewee expressing hope for a future of normalization. Another emphasized the exhaustion of war and the desire for peace.
Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy special envoy for Middle East Peace, has emphasized the importance of disarming Hezbollah to stabilize Lebanon and pave the way for peace in the region. She described Hezbollah as a “cancer” within Lebanon that must be removed for the country to move forward. Ortagus also criticized Iran for fueling regional instability and dragging Lebanon into conflicts it did not seek.
The sentiment of peace and normalization is gaining ground among the Lebanese people, but the issue of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon remains a significant hurdle. While there is growing support for peace with Israel, concerns about the fate of Palestinian refugees persist.
Overall, there is a sense of cautious optimism in Lebanon regarding the prospects of peace with Israel. The Lebanese people are increasingly supportive of normalization and peace, viewing it as a win-win situation for both sides. The role of U.S. influence in shaping Lebanon’s political direction remains crucial, with hopes pinned on the return of Trump to the White House to further advance the peace process.
