Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, proposed that Lebanon and Syria could soon normalize relations with Israel due to regional political changes. His comments follow earlier suggestions by Israeli officials, despite Lebanon’s legal restrictions against Israel and ongoing conflicts. Criticism arose from regional analysts regarding the complexities of such normalization amidst prevailing tensions.
During an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, Steve Witkoff, the United States envoy to the Middle East, suggested that Lebanon and Syria might soon establish normal relations with Israel. He indicated that political shifts in the region, particularly the decline of Iranian influence through groups like Hezbollah, could facilitate this normalization. “Lebanon, by the way, could actually mobilize and come into the Abraham Peace Accords, as could potentially Syria,” he stated, highlighting significant changes occurring in the region.
Witkoff’s comments echoed sentiments from October, where Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz mentioned that Lebanon might pursue diplomacy with Israel contingent upon Saudi Arabia’s initial actions. Despite these suggestions, Lebanon legally does not recognize Israel, and national restrictions prevent any visits by Lebanese citizens to the country.
Yasser Zaatreh, a Palestinian writer and political analyst, criticized Witkoff’s remarks as a “tragedy,” especially in light of Israel’s aggressive military actions in Lebanon and Syria over the past year. He remarked that the U.S. envoy and his administration act as though they are authoritative figures within the international community.
Both nations have endured significant repercussions from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Israel engaging in cross-border skirmishes leading to a full-scale war that began in September 2024, resulting in thousands of casualties in Lebanon. Following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon and subsequent ceasefire violations, tensions remained high, particularly in the context of Israel’s military actions targeting Syria to counter Iranian influence.
The interim government of Syria has expressed a desire for Israel to cease its attacks but lacks the military strength to retaliate effectively due to its current transitional status. Lebanese parliament member Wael Abou Faour emphasized a preference for a truce over formal normalization, referencing prior armistice agreements established in 1949.
Israel has indicated its intention to maintain a presence at several strategic locations in southern Lebanon despite previous commitments to withdraw. Witkoff, while discussing the potential for Lebanon and Syria to normalize relations, also expressed hope for Saudi Arabia to initiate ties with Israel, although Riyadh insists that normalization must wait until an independent Palestinian state is established, especially amidst escalating violence in Gaza.
In summary, Steve Witkoff’s assertions during a recent event suggest that there may be opportunities for Lebanon and Syria to normalise relations with Israel, especially in light of shifting political dynamics influenced by Iranian decline. Nonetheless, significant barriers remain, including legal prohibitions in Lebanon against recognizing Israel, ongoing hostilities, and the broader regional context regarding Palestinian statehood. Criticism of this perspective accentuates the challenges facing peace initiatives in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
