Lebanese lawyers filed a complaint against businessman Antoun Sehnaoui for meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, violating the country's laws against dealing with Israelis.
The case highlights the deep-seated legal and political tensions between Lebanon and Israel, underscoring the severe legal repercussions Lebanese citizens face for any contact with Israelis, even in a private capacity, amidst ongoing conflict.
Lebanese judicial authorities have initiated legal proceedings against prominent businessman Antoun Sehnaoui, seeking his arrest for allegedly violating the country's laws by meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The complaint, filed by over a dozen Lebanese lawyers, accuses Sehnaoui of "contacting and dealing with the Israeli enemy, violating the law of boycott of Israel, the crime of treason, and offenses against state security." The meeting reportedly took place in Washington during a dinner organized by Sehnaoui and former U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, which was also attended by Netanyahu and U.S. officials. Lebanese law strictly prohibits its citizens from having contact with Israelis due to the ongoing state of war, with potential penalties including prison time. Lawyers involved in the complaint emphasized that the meeting was a public offense and an affront to national sentiments, particularly as Israeli forces continue military operations in southern Lebanon. The judiciary is expected to investigate the matter, which could lead to the issuance of arrest warrants. Sehnaoui, who has significant business interests in Lebanon and abroad, has faced criticism in the past following Lebanon's severe economic collapse in 2019. The legal action comes amid calls by some in Lebanon to abolish a 1955 law that bans dealings with Israel.