Prospects for Lebanon and Syria Normalizing Ties with Israel, According to U.S. Envoy
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggested that Lebanon and Syria may soon normalize relations with Israel due to political changes in the region. He cited the weakening of Iranian-affiliated groups as a significant factor. While these statements reflect a potential shift, Lebanon’s legal stance against Israel complicates any diplomatic efforts.
During a recent event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, stated that Lebanon and Syria might soon normalize their relations with Israel. He noted potential political transformations in the region, particularly following the weakening of Iran-aligned groups in both countries, such as Hezbollah and the regime of Bashar Al-Assad. “Lebanon, by the way, could actually mobilize and come into the Abraham Peace Accords, as could potentially Syria,” Witkoff asserted, emphasizing significant changes underway.
Witkoff’s remarks echo a notion previously presented by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who suggested that Lebanon could establish diplomatic relations with Israel contingent upon Saudi Arabia’s decision to do likewise. However, Lebanon currently does not recognize Israel, and it is illegal for Lebanese citizens to visit Israel, further complicating the normalization dialogue.
Palestinian analyst Yasser Zaatreh criticized Witkoff’s comments as a “tragedy,” pointing to Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Syria. He referenced Israel’s ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 4,000 Lebanese lives and has resulted in significant territorial incursions since the onset of hostilities in late 2024.
In Syria, Israeli forces have intensified their military operations against Iranian-affiliated sites throughout the ongoing Gaza war, leading to increased tensions in the region. The interim Syrian government has sought an end to Israeli aggression but lacks the military capacity to confront such incursions amid its transitional status.
Lebanese parliament member Wael Abou Faour highlighted that the utmost Lebanon could achieve would be a ceasefire akin to historical armistice agreements reached post-1948 Arab-Israeli War. He acknowledged the importance of national unity to navigate potential U.S. pressures for normalization with Israel, especially in light of the changing geopolitical landscape.
Witkoff also expressed optimism for Saudi Arabia to potentially join the growing list of nations establishing ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Nevertheless, Riyadh maintains that relations will not occur without the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, an issue of heightened concern amidst recent escalations in Gaza, which has witnessed significant Palestinian casualties and humanitarian crises.
In summary, Steve Witkoff’s assertions regarding the potential normalization of relations between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel highlight important geopolitical shifts influenced by regional dynamics and the actions of Iran-related factions. However, the path to normalization is fraught with historical hostilities, legal restrictions, and ongoing regional conflicts, underscoring the complexity of U.S. diplomatic efforts in the area. Additionally, the discussion around Saudi Arabia and its stance on establishing relations with Israel remains pivotal in determining future diplomatic movements in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
