U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has indicated that Lebanon and Syria may soon normalize ties with Israel due to shifting political dynamics. While Lebanon currently does not recognize Israel, Witkoff remains optimistic about potential change, as political transformations unfold in the region. Israeli military actions have severely affected both nations, complicating the prospect of normalization amid ongoing conflict and pressures for national unity.
During a recent event organized by the American Jewish Committee, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that Lebanon and Syria could soon normalize relations with Israel. He attributed this potential shift to political changes within the region, including the decline of Hezbollah’s influence and the potential political transition in Syria. Witkoff highlighted, “In terms of the Iranian crescent, it has been basically decimated. Look at what’s happened with Syria… tons of things happening.”
Furthermore, Witkoff suggested that Lebanon might be able to join the Abraham Peace Accords, similar to Syria, as significant transformations unfold. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz previously indicated that Lebanon could establish diplomatic relations with Israel contingent on Saudi Arabia taking the lead. Currently, however, Lebanon does not recognize Israel, and visiting the country is illegal for Lebanese citizens, with stringent restrictions on entry for Israeli passport holders.
Political analyst Yasser Zaatreh criticized Witkoff’s remarks, referring to them as a “tragedy” in light of Israel’s military actions against Lebanon and Syria. Both nations have faced considerable turmoil due to ongoing hostilities initiated by Israel’s war in Gaza, which has led to severe human and structural losses. Since engaging Hezbollah in cross-border encounters, Israel has launched a full-scale invasion of southern Lebanon, resulting in thousands of casualties among the Lebanese populace.
In Syria, Israeli forces have targeted locations purportedly linked to Hezbollah and Iranian military assets, contributing to the ongoing volatility. The Syrian interim government has consistently called for an end to Israeli aggression and the withdrawal of its armed forces, although military responses remain constrained due to the country’s transitional state.
Lebanese parliament member Wael Abou Faour remarked that achieving even a truce with Israel, similar to past armistice agreements, would be a significant challenge under current pressures. He highlighted the need for national unity and the state’s authority in steering foreign relations without external intervention.
Israel has indicated its intent to maintain a presence at five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, despite calls for complete withdrawal and commitment to defense and deterrence in the region. Witkoff’s encouraging remarks about Lebanon and Syria come at a time when Saudi Arabia is also being discussed as a potential candidate for normalizing ties with Israel.
Despite longstanding sentiments against such normalization, Saudi Arabia maintains that it will not proceed without provisions for Palestinian statehood. U.S. President Trump has conveyed ambitions to further develop relations with Riyadh and thereby enhance the Abraham Accords, though his controversial statements regarding Gaza have sparked considerable regional backlash.
The possibility of Lebanon and Syria normalizing relations with Israel, as suggested by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, hinges on significant regional political changes that may challenge current anti-Israel sentiments. Despite the challenges posed by Israeli military actions, both countries face internal pressures that may influence their foreign relations. The unfolding dynamics, particularly involving Saudi Arabia, could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Middle Eastern relations with Israel.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
