President Trump’s initiatives to transform the Middle East might lead to an unexpected diplomatic relationship: Lebanon potentially joining the Abraham Accords, following years of hostilities with Israel.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, mentioned that normalizing ties with Israel could be feasible if Lebanon manages to eliminate Hezbollah from its southern regions and reassert governmental authority there.
When asked about a Hezbollah-free Lebanon’s impact on the region, Danon remarked, “I think it could be dramatic.” He expressed optimism that normalization could occur, leading Lebanon to join the Abraham Accords.
This potential breakthrough could represent one of the most significant expansions since the Trump-brokered agreements first emerged in 2020, enhancing Israel’s diplomatic relations with Arab nations and strengthening alliances across the Middle East.
The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Trump administration to help Lebanon regain full sovereignty by diminishing Hezbollah’s military grip over southern Lebanon, according to a U.S. official.
“The Trump administration is dedicated to a sovereign Lebanon that isn’t threatened by Hezbollah, and Hezbollah can’t use the south of Lebanon to pose threats to its neighbors,” the official stated.
High-level discussions involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun were aimed at advancing this agreement.
U.S. officials noted that one crucial point in the negotiations was the shared concern of both Iran and Lebanon regarding Iranian influence.
“Despite Lebanon and Israel’s numerous differences, they both agree on not wanting Iranian interference in their internal matters,” the official observed.
However, Danon cautioned that Lebanon still has significant hurdles to overcome before such a deal materializes.
“It’s going to take time,” he warned. He pointed out that Hezbollah’s involvement in parliamentary and government structures complicates the situation further.
U.S. officials reiterated that Hezbollah remains deeply embedded in Lebanon’s political and security systems, remarking, “No one thinks it’s going to get easier.”
Israel has already taken substantial military actions to weaken Hezbollah and its ally Iran, particularly with a notable military intervention in 2024, creating an opening for the Lebanese government to reclaim areas previously held by the group.
“We’ve significantly weakened Hezbollah. We’ve also undermined its supporter, Iran,” Danon remarked. “I believe now is a pivotal moment for Lebanon to take action.”
He mentioned that Israel has initiated the first phase of its withdrawal from certain southern regions under a new security agreement and expects U.S.-supported Lebanese forces to take over.
However, this withdrawal will proceed gradually, with Washington cautioning that hastening the process could facilitate Hezbollah’s swift return.
Danon emphasized that Israel isn’t interested in a prolonged presence in Lebanon.
“We have no intention of remaining in Lebanon,” he clarified. “We want the Lebanese army to take that role.”
He praised Lebanon’s new leadership for their public commitment to reducing Hezbollah’s influence but stressed that mere statements are insufficient.
“We are now beginning to evaluate the gap between intent and capability,” Danon said. “They need to demonstrate both their intent and their ability to act.”
The Abraham Accords, established during Trump’s first term in 2020, aimed to foster direct relations between Israel and various nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. This agreement is intended to create normal diplomatic, trade, travel, and economic relations between Israel and countries that previously refrained from engaging due to conflicts with the Palestinians.
For the Trump administration, stabilizing Lebanon away from Hezbollah’s influence would signify a major blow to Iran’s regional dominance and might also lead to expanding one of the president’s key foreign policy accomplishments.
Danon recognized that realizing this scenario is still a distant prospect and cautioned about Iran’s substantial remaining influence within Lebanon.
“Iran… they feel a sense of ownership in this country,” he said. “It’s not an easy path. Achieving this requires effort and determination.”
Moreover, Danon stated that Iran’s activities in the conflict targeting Gulf states increased the likelihood of other countries in the region joining the Abraham Accords.
“This bolsters the connections we have with the UAE, Bahrain, and other nations,” he noted. “It’s one thing to discuss the Iranian threat; it becomes much more tangible when you consider ballistic missile and drone assaults.”
