Lebanese ready for peace, drinks in Tel Aviv after 'This is Beirut' invite, analyst to 'Post'
The video notably featured Deputy Mayor Guy Avner, who said it was “only a matter of time before peace comes between the people of Israel and the people of Lebanon.
Independent journalist and political analyst Selena Ryan expressed that many Lebanese people she speaks to are eager to visit Israel and feel welcomed there. In a video that has garnered tens of thousands of views on X/Twitter, Ryan extends an invitation to Lebanese civilians to join Israelis for drinks in Tel Aviv and consume arak, a popular anise-flavored drink across the Levant.
Deputy Mayor Guy Avner, featured in the video, stated that it is "only a matter of time before peace comes between the people of Israel and the people of Lebanon".
Despite Lebanon bearing the brunt of Hezbollah's war against Israel, Ryan observed that fewer Lebanese civilians than anticipated hold Israel accountable for the destruction. She noted that while there are more positive comments than negative ones, those advocating for peace often refrain from doing so publicly due to fear of backlash. Ryan believes that the public online discourse does not accurately represent the actual sentiments of Lebanese civilians.
Straying from poll results and public statements, Ryan received numerous messages from Shia Muslims and other sects in Lebanon expressing a desire for peace. Shia Muslims are working towards creating an alternative to Hezbollah and gaining seats in upcoming elections to alter the Shia community's perception of Lebanon and Israel.
Research from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center also indicates that Hezbollah's influence over Lebanon's Shia population has waned, as the group's wars have primarily caused civilian casualties. Ryan concluded that the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024 significantly influenced the sentiment towards peace, with more people now recognizing peace as the only viable solution.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
