A group of lawyers in Lebanon has initiated legal proceedings against Antoun Sehnaoui, a prominent Lebanese banker, following his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C. The complaint centers on the allegation that Sehnaoui violated a 1955 Lebanese statute that forbids any form of contact or normalization with Israeli officials or citizens. Under Lebanese law, such interactions are considered criminal offenses and can carry penalties including imprisonment.

The legal filing highlights the ongoing tension regarding Lebanon’s official stance toward Israel. While the two nations remain technically in a state of war, the meeting between Sehnaoui and Netanyahu has drawn significant scrutiny within Lebanon, where anti-normalization laws are strictly enforced. The complaint serves as a formal attempt to hold the banker accountable under these domestic statutes. As of now, there has been no official response from Sehnaoui regarding the specific legal charges, nor have there been reports on how the Lebanese judiciary intends to proceed with the complaint. The situation underscores the complex legal and political environment for Lebanese citizens who engage with Israeli counterparts, even in international settings.