Israeli lawmaker launches caucus to build post-war normalization with Lebanon

Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson has launched a new Knesset caucus, the Caucus for Peace Between Israel and Lebanon, aiming to open a path toward eventual peace and normalization with the neighboring country. Hasson argues that Israel should engage directly with Lebanese communities that desire stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah's influence.

Hasson told The Media Line that his initiative stems from years of observing Lebanon's situation, which he believes has been "taken hostage by Hezbollah." He stated, "It does whatever it wants there. It destroyed the Switzerland of the Middle East. It threatens Lebanon’s president, it threatens the government, and of course, it harms the residents of northern Israel."

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Lebanon was taken hostage by Hezbollah. It does whatever it wants there. It destroyed the Switzerland of the Middle East. It threatens Lebanon’s president, it threatens the government, and of course, it harms the residents of northern Israel.

The caucus, though modest in structure, carries ambitious goals: it calls for diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation, support for northern Israeli communities, and a broader regional strategy against shared threats. Hasson noted that his request to form the caucus was approved rapidly, suggesting lawmakers recognized the importance of establishing a political channel amid the ongoing conflict.

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The Lebanese people, in the latest survey, the Druze, more than 80%, want peace and relations with the State of Israel. Seventy-two percent of the Christians also want peace with the State of Israel, and there are Sunnis there who want it too. So the time has come for us to strengthen this alliance.

Hasson emphasized that the Lebanese people, particularly Druze (over 80%) and Christians (72%), desire peace and relations with Israel, according to recent surveys. He sees this as an opportunity to "strengthen this alliance."

He clarified that the caucus is not a replacement for official government diplomacy but rather a political and public tool. Its purpose is to legitimize and amplify the voices of Lebanese figures who support normalization but fear repercussions from Hezbollah. Hasson's ultimate aim is to encourage these individuals to express their views more openly, both within Lebanon and among the diaspora, stating, "I want to encourage every person on the Lebanese side who seeks peace and believes in peace to stand up and say what he thinks... and begin to apply pressure."

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I want to encourage every person on the Lebanese side who seeks peace and believes in peace to stand up and say what he thinks, like in the latest survey, and begin to apply pressure.