The winds of change are slowly blowing over Beirut as Israel’s near annihilation of Hezbollah’s terror leadership and the backing of the Trump administration have led to a shift in public opinion regarding peace with Israel. After the war with Israel, Rami Naim, a Lebanon affairs journalist and analyst, expressed openness to peace with Israel without fear, a sentiment that is increasingly being shared by Lebanese citizens. The weakening of Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, and the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president in January 2025, have been significant in altering the country’s political trajectory and making normalization with Israel more acceptable. Many Lebanese citizens have expressed hope for eventual normalization and peace with Israel, pointing to Israel’s desire for peace as well.
Morgan Ortagus, U.S. deputy special envoy for Middle East Peace, has emphasized the necessity of disarming Hezbollah to stabilize Lebanon and pave the way for peace in the region. She described Hezbollah as a “cancer” within Lebanon that must be removed for the country to have any hope of recovery. Ortagus also criticized Iran for fueling regional instability and dragging Lebanon into conflicts it did not seek. While the public may be ready for peace, Naim stressed that it is important for Lebanese political elites to take action and publicly endorse peace. International intervention, particularly by the U.S., is seen as crucial in pressuring Lebanon’s corrupt politicians to move forward with peace initiatives.
Naim highlighted the importance of U.S. influence in Lebanon’s political direction, noting the suffering experienced under previous administrations that made compromises with Iran. The hope now lies in a potential second term for Trump, who is seen as conducting negotiations from a position of strength rather than weakness. Despite growing support for peace with Israel, the issue of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon remains a significant hurdle. Pleas for the refugees to not be left behind in the pursuit of peace and the challenges of balancing the interests of both Palestinians and Israelis are some of the complexities that need to be addressed.
The majority of the Lebanese people today are supportive of normalization and peace with Israel, according to Naim. This shift signifies that peace and normalization with Israel are no longer taboos in Lebanon and that the desire for peace is a shared sentiment. While there may be divisions, the potential for a win-win situation in which both Israelis and Lebanese citizens can coexist peacefully is a growing sentiment. The aspirations for lasting peace and the acknowledgment of failed wars underscore the desire for a new chapter in Lebanon’s political landscape, one where peace and stability can flourish.
In conclusion, the recent events in Lebanon, including the weakening of Hezbollah and the election of a new president, have paved the way for a potentially transformative shift towards peace with Israel. The willingness of Lebanese citizens to entertain the idea of normalization and peace, along with the calls from U.S. officials for disarmament of Hezbollah, highlight the momentum towards a new era of diplomacy and cooperation. International intervention and pressure on Lebanon’s political leaders are seen as crucial steps in moving forward with peace initiatives. The complexities of balancing the interests of different groups, such as Palestinian refugees, remain challenges that need to be carefully navigated. However, the growing support for peace and the desire to live in harmony signal a hopeful path towards a more peaceful future for Lebanon and the region.
