Lebanese People Desire Ties With Israel, Strong Government to Oust Hezbollah, Says AMCD Co-chair

John Hajjar, co-chair of the American Middle East Coalition for Democracy (AMCD), stated that the Lebanese people desire full diplomatic relations with Israel, including tourism and trade, but feel held hostage by Hezbollah and a government unwilling to confront the Iran-backed group. Hajjar, who has visited Israel previously, recalled stories from his Lebanese grandparents about Jewish tourists in Lebanon. He believes both Lebanon and Israel have much to offer each other, and that the misapplication of Lebanon's 1955 boycott law against Israel has created unnecessary barriers.

Originally intended to prevent economic dealings as part of the Arab League's isolation efforts, the law has been misused to block basic communication, benefiting Hezbollah and Hamas, according to Hajjar. The law originally stipulated prison sentences of 3 to 10 years, fines, and asset confiscation. Lebanese expatriates have faced ex parte prison sentences of up to 15 years for suggesting peace with Israel. Recently, attempts were made to prosecute Lebanon's Ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh, for supporting the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yihiel Leiters, whose son was injured in an attack.

Hajjar asserted that the Lebanese people seek peace and economic development, noting Lebanon's dilapidated infrastructure. He believes strong relations with Israel would significantly improve the country's situation, benefiting both nations. Earlier this week, Hajjar and co-chair Tom Harb sent an open letter urging Washington to leverage its influence to repeal the boycott law, which would allow Lebanese religious groups to visit holy sites in Jerusalem. They also requested U.S. sanctions against Lebanese judicial officials involved in prosecuting those who violate the boycott.

Hajjar cited polls showing Lebanese desire to break the silence imposed by Hezbollah and its government allies, predicting a near future where people will reject laws preventing communication with Israelis and demand full diplomatic ties. He expressed sadness over Lebanon's current state of sectarian violence and terrorism, contrasting it with its past as the "Paris of the Middle East." He suggested that Lebanon's experience with Palestinian terrorism might foster empathy with Israel following the October 7th attacks, especially as the conflict extended to Lebanon after Hezbollah's actions.

Hajjar drew parallels between the October 7th attacks and the 1976 attacks on Damour and Aishieh by Palestinians, stating that many Lebanese understand and feel a natural closeness to Israelis due to similar suffering. He believes Lebanese expatriates in the U.S., understanding persecution, feel a natural affinity for Israel and its people's experiences.