3. The Loss of All Leverage Over the Other Side
Mr. President, international negotiations (and you hold a degree in Political Science) are not the art of persuasion, nor are they an academic intellectual exercise. Rather, they are the art of leveraging both hard and soft power variables to maximize gains or minimize losses. The negotiating table is a highly accurate reflection of the balance of power on the ground.
This leads me to ask: What leverage do you possess to compel Israel to fully withdraw, return the prisoners, allow displaced persons to return, and meet other Lebanese demands?
You have neither military power nor meaningful economic influence. Your economy has been hollowed out by poverty and corruption, while your society is fragmented both structurally and functionally. Therefore, please tell us: What are your actual instruments of pressure?
4. Does the Arab Experience with Agreements with Israel Encourage You to Continue on Your Current Path?
Since its agreement with Israel, Egypt has fallen by more than 76 places in international standing, while dozens of Israeli espionage cells have reportedly been uncovered within its territory.
Syria no longer has clearly recognized and secure international borders; instead, parts of its territory have effectively become a field for Israeli military operations and influence, alongside attempts to reshape its social and demographic structure.
Jordan has seen Israel disregard not only the Hashemite custodianship over holy sites, but also water agreements and the activities of refugee relief agencies. Moreover, Israeli officials have repeatedly undermined Jordanian sovereignty through references to the concept of a “Greater Israel,” frequently displayed by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Beyond that, there are the Israeli roles alleged in Sudan, Somaliland, instability in the Gulf region, and growing penetration into the Sahel states, with all the resulting implications for the security of the Maghreb countries.
5. If Direct Negotiations Were an Israeli-American Demand, What Did You Obtain in Return?
Had you insisted on a complete Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory before negotiations began, or demanded an end to airstrikes, a comprehensive ceasefire, the return of prisoners, or any other tangible concession, the situation would be different.
Instead, you agreed to sit at the negotiating table without securing anything in exchange.
Mr. President, the party carrying you forward does not give without receiving something in return. As for the Gulf states, history suggests that many of their promises often remain unfulfilled. The list of examples in this regard is long.
6. Perhaps You Should Ask Your Prime Minister About Israel’s Compliance with International Court Decisions
Mr. President, perhaps you should ask your Prime Minister how many international court rulings Israel has actually implemented, given his familiarity with such matters.
Benjamin Netanyahu has openly dismissed international court decisions despite their considerable moral and political weight on the global stage.
In light of the realities outlined at the beginning of this letter, perhaps you should ask your Prime Minister to define precisely what influence he believes he possesses that could persuade Israel to respond positively to his demands.
Finally, Mr. President,
Reflect on the words of Wayne Dyer:
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
You may then see matters differently from the way they are currently being presented.