Lebanese Banker Praised for Support of Israeli Government

US Envoy Morgan Ortagus Praises Antoun Sehnaoui at US Holocaust Memorial Museum Event

A public event held at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was attended by Antoun Sehnaoui, a Lebanese banker and chairman of Societe Generale de Banque au Liban (SGBL). The event was sponsored by Sehnaoui. Morgan Ortagus, a US Middle East envoy, praised Sehnaoui for his support of Israel during the event.

Ortagus stated that Sehnaoui’s actions in funding a US-Israeli opera project were “technically illegal in Lebanon” due to the country’s laws prohibiting dealings with Israeli individuals or institutions. She also described Sehnaoui as coming from generations of Lebanese Christian Zionists, stating that he had been “trained to be a supporter of the State of Israel and the Jewish people” by his family.

Sehnaoui’s support for Israel comes at a time when many in Lebanon are still waiting for the benefits of a US-imposed ceasefire. The conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with over 1 million people affected. The situation has also led to heightened sectarian tensions.

The event drew criticism on social media, with some accusing Sehnaoui of being a “disgusting despicable person” and others questioning his loyalty to Lebanon. Further controversy surrounding Ortagus’s relationship with Sehnaoui has also been raised, as the two have reportedly had a romantic connection.

Lebanese academic Makram Rabah stated that a visit to a Holocaust museum should not be a source of controversy, but rather a celebration of human rights and dignity. However, he noted that supporting Israel is a different matter altogether.

Michael Young, a Lebanon expert for the Carnegie Middle East Center, commented that Ortagus’s actions highlighted her clear leaning towards Israel and raised questions about her suitability as a US envoy to Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera