Wealthy Lebanese Banker Accused of Pushing Normalization with Israel

Antoun Sehnaoui, a wealthy Lebanese banker, has emerged as a key figure in efforts to normalize relations between Lebanon and Israel, amid ongoing Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Lebanese daily L’Orient Today reported in late July that Sehnaoui, a banking heir, is funding several media outlets in Lebanon, including Ici Beyrouth, This Is Beirut, and Hunna Lubnan, to shape public opinion. Additionally, reports suggest he has used a Christian militia to protect his business interests and reputation.

The situation has intensified following photographs published in late July showing Sehnaoui with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a private gathering in Washington, D.C. Sehnaoui is currently wanted for questioning in Lebanon, where direct association with Israelis is illegal. His uncle has publicly accused him of acting as an Israeli asset. Despite this, Sehnaoui has positioned himself as an influential figure in Lebanon’s political landscape, reportedly injecting financial and human resources into efforts to normalize ties with Israel.

Before his public advocacy for Zionism, Sehnaoui was known for his wealth and influence among Lebanon’s right-wing Christian parties. During Lebanon’s 2019 economic collapse, he was linked to the transfer of over $15 billion out of the country through his bank, Banque Richelieu France, while ordinary Lebanese faced financial ruin. His romantic partner, Morgan Ortagus, a former U.S. envoy to Lebanon, has also been a vocal advocate for normalization with Israel. Ortagus, a convert to Judaism, has suggested that Israel attack Hezbollah gatherings, though Israel ultimately refrained from such action during the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in 2024.

In April 2024, Ortagus introduced Sehnaoui at the Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Remembrance Day event, where his name was inscribed on the Donor Wall. She described Sehnaoui’s family as “committed Christian Zionists” and suggested that his pro-Israel activities are illegal under Lebanese law. A Lebanese lawyer seeking Sehnaoui’s arrest following his meeting with Netanyahu claimed he is accused of using stolen bank funds to force Lebanon into submission to Israel.

Sehnaoui’s media ventures, funded through his wealth, have been criticized as propaganda tools promoting normalization with Israel. This Is Beirut, one of his outlets, employs staff associated with pro-Israel think tanks such as the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP). The outlet has hosted events alongside Israeli think tanks and frequently advocates for collaboration with Israel, framing it as a pursuit of peace. Its contributors include figures like Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a former Shiite Muslim who has worked with U.S.-funded media in Iraq and now writes for FDD. Another contributor, Claudia Groeling, was previously affiliated with WINEP.

This Is Beirut’s leadership, including director Hanin Ghadar, also has ties to WINEP. The outlet’s rhetoric often focuses on opposing Hezbollah and advocating for closer ties with Israel, framing such actions as efforts to uphold sovereignty and human rights. Critics argue that its coverage ignores Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory while demonizing Iranian-backed groups.

The revelations about Sehnaoui’s network have raised concerns about foreign interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs and the role of wealthy elites in pushing a pro-Israel agenda. Legal action against Sehnaoui is pending in Lebanon, where his alleged collaboration with Israel remains a criminal offense.