President Trump's diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East could lead to an unprecedented achievement: bringing Lebanon into the Abraham Accords, according to Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon.
Danon told The Post that if Lebanon successfully removes Hezbollah from its southern territory and reestablishes government authority, normalization with Israel could become a possibility. "I think it can be dramatic," Danon stated, expressing openness to Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords.
This potential expansion of the accords, brokered by the Trump administration in 2020, would mark a significant development in reshaping regional alliances. A US official confirmed that the administration is working toward a sovereign Lebanon, free from Hezbollah's military control in the south, which could prevent threats to neighboring countries.
This objective aligns with a shared concern between Israel and Lebanon regarding Iran's influence in the region. "Even when Lebanon and Israel were disagreeing on everything, they agreed they didn’t want Iran meddling in their affairs," the official noted.
However, Danon cautioned that substantial hurdles remain. "It will take time," he said, citing Hezbollah's integration into Lebanon's parliament and government as a significant complication. A US official echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Hezbollah's deep entrenchment in Lebanese political and security institutions makes the process difficult.
Israel has recently undertaken actions, including military operations targeting Hezbollah and its Iranian backers, which Danon believes have created an opportunity for the Lebanese government to regain control of its territory. "We weakened Hezbollah dramatically. We weakened the sponsor of Hezbollah, Iran," Danon said. "I think now it’s a good time for the Lebanese to take action."
According to Danon, Israel has begun a gradual withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon under a new security arrangement, with the expectation that Lebanese Armed Forces will assume control. Washington has advised caution to prevent Hezbollah from quickly reasserting influence. Israel has emphasized no intention of a permanent occupation, stating, "We don’t have a desire to stay in Lebanon. We want the Lebanese military to be there."
The ambassador commended Lebanon's current leadership for publicly committing to curbing Hezbollah's influence but stressed the need for tangible actions. "We’re now starting to test the gap between intention and capability. They have to prove not only intentions but also capabilities."
The Abraham Accords, established in 2020, facilitated direct relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE and Bahrain, leading to normalized diplomatic, trade, and economic ties. For the Trump administration, a Lebanon free from Hezbollah's dominance would represent a setback for Iran's regional influence and a significant foreign policy accomplishment.
Danon acknowledged that such an outcome is distant, given Iran's continued influence within Lebanon. "Iran…they feel that they own the country. It’s not easy. It requires efforts and determination," he said.
He also suggested that Iran's actions in the region have bolstered relationships with existing Abraham Accords signatories and could encourage others to join. "It strengthened the relationship we already had with countries like the UAE and Bahrain and other countries," Danon stated. "It’s one thing to speak about the Iranian threat, but once they are being attacked by ballistic missiles and drones, it’s much more realistic."