The Case for Peace Between Lebanon and Israel

For decades, the two countries have been locked in cycles of hostility, with tensions escalating during the 1982 Lebanon War and through repeated clashes involving Hezbollah. Yet, history has shown that entrenched rivalries can evolve—just as Israel forged peace with Egypt and Jordan, a similar path is possible for Lebanon.

Recent developments make this prospect more tangible. The 2024 Israel–Lebanon ceasefire agreement has paused over a year of intense cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. This fragile truce, alongside Lebanon’s election of President Joseph Aoun—the first in two years—signals a potential shift toward stability. President Aoun’s commitment to restoring state sovereignty, including addressing Hezbollah’s armed presence, offers a rare opening for dialogue.

Additionally, the fall of Syria’s Assad regime in 2024 has dramatically altered regional dynamics. With Syria’s new leadership pledging non-interference in Lebanon, Beirut now has greater space to prioritize national interests without external pressure. This, coupled with Iran’s own shifting focus amid domestic challenges, could diminish Hezbollah’s influence and ease Lebanon’s path toward peace.

For Lebanon, peace with Israel would be transformative. It could unlock access to joint energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, attract foreign investment critical for economic recovery, and stabilize war-torn regions. For Israel, peace would reduce security threats along its northern border and weaken Hezbollah’s justification for militarization.

Regionally, such an agreement could foster economic collaboration, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange—redirecting the focus from conflict to growth. While challenges remain, particularly around border disputes and the disarmament of non-state actors, the momentum for peace has never been stronger.

A Lebanon-Israel peace deal would not just end decades of hostility—it would usher in a new era of security, prosperity, and cooperation for the entire Middle East.