Lebanese Businessman Faces Arrest Warrant After Dinner with Netanyahu in Washington

Anton Sahnawi, a prominent Lebanese businessman and banker, was photographed dining with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah at a celebratory dinner in Washington, D.C. The event took place at the Bourbon Steak restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel and was held in honor of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. The gathering also included American senators and figures close to the Trump administration.

The photos of the meeting quickly spread on social media and caused a major uproar in Lebanon, where there are no diplomatic relations with Israel and laws prohibit contact with Israelis. Lebanese lawyers demanded an investigation into Sahnawi for alleged collaboration with the enemy and violation of the boycott law against Israel.

In response, Lebanon's Attorney General Ahmad Rami Al-Hajj issued a 30-day search and inquiry order against Sahnawi on suspicion of "collaboration with the Israeli enemy." If located within this period, Sahnawi could be arrested and interrogated. The Lebanese Internal Security Forces verified the authenticity of the photos, confirming no digital manipulation or AI involvement.

Sahnawi's ties to the U.S. have drawn attention before; in April, he appeared alongside Ortogus at a Holocaust Museum event in Washington, with their names inscribed on the museum's donor wall. Lebanese lawyer and activist Wassif Al-Harkha, who filed a personal lawsuit against Sahnawi for collaboration, called for a "bold, serious, and transparent legal investigation" without political or economic immunity.

The case highlights the sensitive nature of any contact between Lebanese citizens and Israeli officials, given the ongoing hostilities and legal prohibitions in Lebanon.