Lebanese Sunni MP Fouad Makhzoumi: Lebanon can sign Abraham Accords once Hezbollah is disarmed
“I don't see any reason why we cannot sign peace with Israel,” Makhzoumi said, adding that it was possible for Lebanon to “achieve” membership in the Abraham Accords.
Lebanon can potentially join the Abraham Accords after disarming Hezbollah and ceasing to use the country as a launching ground for attacks against Israel, according to Lebanese Sunni MP Fouad Makhzoumi. Speaking to Middle East 24, Makhzoumi, who also leads the National Dialogue Party, stated that diplomatic relations and trade with Israel would be feasible once "our side, as Lebanese, disarms the militias."
Currently, he believes that Lebanon's border is under the control of militias, allowing for the smuggling of weapons in and out of the nation.
Makhzoumi emphasized that Lebanon's economic recovery and future growth hinge on the state's ability to combat corruption within the judicial system and eliminate Hezbollah's "parallel state." Lebanon's central bank recently announced that Alvarez & Marsal, a French consulting firm, will conduct an audit of transactions from October 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. This audit aims to enhance transparency and restore investor confidence in the country.
Makhzoumi's call for disarming Hezbollah comes as part of a broader effort to establish a unified military force and equal application of the law to all citizens. He argued that such conditions would require Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, prevent external threats, create a robust banking system compliant with international regulations, and secure peace with Israel. This shift could also attract greater investment from regional partners, including the United Arab Emirates, a signatory to the Abraham Accords.
UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi led a delegation of over 80 prominent figures to Lebanon in recent weeks, signing an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral relations. Regional analysts suggest that increased UAE investment may help Beirut distance itself from Iran and Hezbollah.
Makhzoumi, who operates in 50 countries and has Lebanese success stories across various industries, believes that returning investment could encourage members of Lebanon's wealthy diaspora to repatriate. He expressed confidence that the Lebanese people would be willing to rebuild their country, provided they have a stable state and a secure future for their children, free from threats posed by Hezbollah or other militias.
Lebanon has grappled with economic and political instability since 2019, leading to a 450% increase in emigration between 2021 and 2022. Around 79,134 Lebanese citizens left the country in 2021 alone, causing significant gaps in various industries, particularly healthcare.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
