Lebanese Druze leader Wi’am Wahhab calls for normalization with Israel

Former Lebanese minister and leader of the Tawhid Party, Wi’am Wahhab, sparked controversy on Sunday evening by calling for normalization with Israel. 

Known for his provocative statements, Wahhab said he is ready to "deal with the devil" to ensure the protection of the Druze community, according to the Lebanese daily L’Orient Le Jour.

During an interview on the local channel al-Jadeed, Wahhab argued that Lebanon should end its decades-long stance against Israel, rooted in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

"The Lebanese have sacrificed more than 75 years of their lives for the Palestinian cause. It’s time to put an end to this," Wahhab declared. He added that Lebanon no longer desires war and no longer seeks to confront the Israeli state.

He called for an end to what he described as a "war mentality" toward Israel, advocating for a more "realistic" approach to the region's challenges. These remarks are particularly striking given Wahhab’s usual alignment with the Iranian axis, which strongly opposes any rapprochement with Israel.

When journalist Georges Salibi suggested that such statements contradict Lebanon’s political history and stance over the past seven decades, Wahhab replied:

"We need to break free from these illusions. We want to live in comfort."

He further asserted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains the dominant figure shaping the region, claiming that Netanyahu is redefining the Middle East while other nations lag behind.

Wahhab also criticized Lebanon’s involvement in regional conflicts, particularly its support for Gaza since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah opened a front against Israel following Hamas' surprise attack on October 7. He lamented the heavy price Lebanon has paid for its role in these conflicts, suggesting that it is time for a shift in priorities.

Wahhab's remarks are expected to stir significant debate in Lebanon, a country deeply divided over its relationship with Israel and its role in the broader Arab-Israeli conflict. 

His statements challenge longstanding narratives and are likely to provoke both criticism and support from different factions in Lebanon’s complex political landscape.

As Lebanon continues to grapple with economic collapse and political paralysis, Wahhab’s controversial call for normalization could mark a turning point in how some Lebanese leaders view the nation’s future in the region.