Lebanese Businessman Hosts Netanyahu in Washington Amid Ongoing Aggression on Lebanon

The American capital, Washington, witnessed a meeting that raised many questions, as Lebanese businessman and banker Antoun Sehnaoui hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. The banquet, held at the famous 'Bourbon Steak' restaurant inside the 'Four Seasons' hotel, was ostensibly a tribute to the late American Senator Lindsey Graham, and discussions continued for more than three consecutive hours.

Informed sources reported that the dinner was not limited to the Lebanese and Israeli sides but also saw extensive American political presence, including about 20 senators representing both the Republican and Democratic parties. A number of close advisors to US President Donald Trump were also present at the meeting, reflecting the political atmosphere surrounding this gathering in the heart of Washington.

Israeli press sources published photos documenting the banquet, showing Sehnaoui alongside Netanyahu and former US envoy to Lebanon, Morgan Ortagus. Israeli observers described Sehnaoui as a Lebanese figure actively seeking to strengthen ties with Israelis and advocating for a formal peace agreement, noting his involvement in various normalization initiatives aimed at bridging the views between the two peoples.

This controversial meeting comes at a very sensitive time, as Israeli occupation forces continue their widespread military aggression on Lebanese territories. According to the latest statistics from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the aggression has resulted in the martyrdom of 4,330 people, in addition to injuring more than 12,000 others, amid massive destruction to infrastructure and residential areas.

On the ground, Israel continues to assert control over large areas in southern Lebanon, with its forces penetrating more than 10 kilometers deep during recent confrontations. Despite previous agreements, the occupation continues to establish its military outposts in Lebanese territories, some of which it has occupied for decades, and others during the escalation that erupted between 2023 and 2024.

Antoun Sehnaoui's name has recently been associated with activities supporting Israeli and Jewish institutions in the United States, where he appeared with Morgan Ortagus at the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Sehnaoui's name was engraved on the donors' wall at the museum in recognition of his financial contributions, a step Ortagus described as an expression of the 'Christian Zionist' leanings adopted by the Lebanese banker.

For his part, Sehnaoui did not hide his pride in this step, expressing on his official social media accounts his honor in participating in the Holocaust remembrance ceremony in Washington. He affirmed that the inclusion of his name on the donors' wall at the American museum represents a 'great honor' for him, which sparked a wave of criticism in Lebanese and Arab circles given the current political timing.

Antoun Sehnaoui is known in Lebanese economic circles as one of the most prominent businessmen and bankers, serving as chairman of the board of directors of 'Société Générale de Banque au Liban'. He also manages 'Fidus', a wealth management company, in addition to his activities in artistic production, but his recent actions in Washington have placed his economic role under intense political tensions.

Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for a visit aimed at meeting US President Donald Trump, the first such visit since their last meeting in February. Media reports indicate that discussions between the two sides are focused on thorny regional issues, including military escalation against Iran and coordination of positions regarding the volatile fronts in the region.

Sehnaoui is a prominent Lebanese figure who advocates for a peace agreement with Israel and participates in initiatives to strengthen ties between the two sides.