Meet the media and militiamen funded by ‘Lebanese AIPAC Guy’ pushing Beirut into Israel’s hands

Antoun Sehnaoui, a wealthy Lebanese banker and self-proclaimed philanthropist, has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating efforts to normalize relations between Lebanon and Israel amid ongoing tensions in the region. According to reports by the Lebanese daily L’Orient Today, Sehnaoui has been identified as a key figure behind recent moves aimed at aligning Lebanon more closely with Israel, despite the latter's continued occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. His influence appears to extend beyond financial circles, reaching into media, politics, and even armed groups. In late July, L’Orient Today revealed that Sehnaoui has been funding several media outlets in Lebanon, including the French-language publication Ici Beyrouth, the English-language This Is Beirut, and the Arabic-language Hunna Lubnan. These outlets reportedly play a role in shaping public opinion in favor of closer ties with Israel. Additionally, local reports suggest that Sehnaoui has been associated with a Christian militia, which he allegedly uses to safeguard his interests and maintain control over his banking empire. Photos surfaced in late July depicting Sehnaoui socializing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a private gathering at Washington DC’s Four Seasons Hotel. Following these images, Sehnaoui faced public condemnation from his uncle, who accused him of serving as a tool for Israel. Currently wanted for questioning by Lebanese authorities, Sehnaoui is alleged to have violated laws prohibiting public association with Israelis, a serious offense in the context of Lebanon’s complex political landscape. Sehnaoui’s rise to prominence began long before his open advocacy for Zionism. He was already recognized in Lebanon for his immense wealth and his role as a power broker within right-wing factions representing the Christian minority. During the economic collapse of 2019, Sehnaoui emerged as a symbol of an unscrupulous elite that managed to transfer over $15 billion overseas through connections with Lebanon’s central bank. While regular citizens struggled to access basic banking services, vast sums were siphoned abroad via Sehnaoui’s Banque Richelieu France. More recently, Sehnaoui has formed a romantic relationship with Morgan Ortagus, a former special representative for Lebanon under U.S. President Donald Trump. Ortagus, who converted from Christianity to Judaism, is known for her fervent Zionist views, often expressed through her choice of accessories. In late 2024, she proposed to Israeli military leaders that they consider attacking the funeral of assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at Beirut’s Sports City stadium. Although Israel opted instead for a show of force with an aerial demonstration, the suggestion highlights the potential influence of figures like Ortagus in shaping regional dynamics. At a recent event at Washington DC’s Holocaust Memorial Museum, Ortagus introduced Sehnaoui during a ceremony commemorating Remembrance Day. Sehnaoui’s name was etched onto the museum’s Donor Wall, a gesture that drew attention given the controversy surrounding his activities. Ortagus described Sehnaoui’s family as “committed Christian Zionists” who had instilled in him a deep support for Israel and the Jewish people. She also noted that his current actions could be considered illegal in Lebanon. Legal challenges against Sehnaoui have intensified following his meeting with Netanyahu. One of the Lebanese attorneys seeking an arrest warrant argued that Sehnaoui is accused of plotting to compel Lebanon to submit to Israel’s demands using funds unlawfully extracted from the country’s banking system. This accusation underscores the broader implications of his alleged involvement in manipulating Lebanon’s political trajectory. Sehnaoui’s growing media presence and alleged connections to armed groups indicate a strategic effort to consolidate influence across multiple sectors. As Lebanon grapples with its future direction, the role of individuals like Sehnaoui becomes increasingly pivotal, raising questions about the forces shaping the nation’s relationships and internal stability.