Lebanese lawyers seek probe of banker over co-hosting dinner attended by Netanyahu

A group of Lebanese lawyers has lodged a complaint with the country's top prosecutor, requesting an investigation into banker Antoun Sehnaoui. The complaint stems from Sehnaoui allegedly co-hosting a dinner in Washington attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lawyers argue that Sehnaoui's actions violate Lebanese law, which prohibits any transactions with Israeli citizens and institutions. One complainant, lawyer Mohamad Amer Al Haj Hassan, stated that the dinner constituted "communicating with the Israeli enemy." This legal challenge reflects the significant sensitivity in Lebanon regarding any perceived normalization of ties with Israel, particularly as tensions persist with Hezbollah.

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Communicating with the Israeli enemy.

Netanyahu's office confirmed his attendance at a July 27 dinner honoring the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. While the office did not specify the organizers, an Israeli official and a source briefed on the event identified Sehnaoui and former US official Morgan Ortagus as co-hosts.

The dinner has drawn sharp criticism within Lebanon. Lebanese lawmaker Halima Kaakour described Sehnaoui's meeting with Netanyahu as a "major moral and national crisis," especially given the ongoing Israeli military presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Sehnaoui, who resides in the United States, has not yet responded to requests for comment. This incident follows previous controversy involving Sehnaoui, who had posted on social media about attending a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony with Ortagus.

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A major moral and national crisis.