Lebanese Official Calls for Peace with Israel, Cites Nasrallah's Death as Opportunity

A senior Lebanese official, speaking exclusively to ynet and Yediot Ahronot on the sidelines of the MEAD conference in Washington, urged Israel to assist Lebanon and expressed a desire for peace between the two nations. The official stated that the Lebanese people "dream of peace with Israel" and that this hope began with the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, whom he described as "the most powerful man in Lebanon who took the country hostage."

He emphasized that Hezbollah is "the cancer of Lebanon" and that Lebanon needs Israel's help to overcome it. The official requested assurances from Israel against any occupation and called for an end to Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, including the use of phosphorus bombs and the alleged theft of olive trees. He also addressed reports of Israeli ministers advocating for settlements in Lebanon, calling such ideas "foolish."

The official acknowledged that a pilot program to disarm Hezbollah in three villages had not been successful due to the weakness of the Lebanese army. He asserted that only Israel could effectively disarm Hezbollah but urged them to do so "properly." He stated that a full Israeli withdrawal following Hezbollah's disarmament would make peace possible, claiming the Lebanese people do not inherently hate Israel, citing the 1996 Qana massacre as a past exception.

Concerns were raised about potential assassination attempts by Hezbollah against Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, though the official praised their courage. He stressed that Lebanon is a sovereign nation, not to be compared with Gaza, and that while the international community supports strengthening the Lebanese army, it takes time. He urged Israel to exercise restraint in its responses to Hezbollah attacks, particularly avoiding strikes in Beirut, which he believes weakens the Lebanese government. He noted that while there is momentum for peace, it is being lost due to inflammatory statements from some Israeli ministers.

The official expressed high regard for Israeli President Isaac Herzog but less so for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite acknowledging his role in Nasrallah's elimination. He envisioned a future where Israelis could visit Beirut for hummus, stating this would be possible after Hezbollah's disarmament, though it would take several years. He concluded by stating that Israel's security cannot come at the expense of Lebanese sovereignty, and that a full Israeli withdrawal would ultimately strengthen Lebanon and weaken Hezbollah.