Opinion: New phase in Saudi-Lebanon relations: what to expect from the Saudi envoy’s visit to Beirut?

It has been fifteen years since a top Saudi diplomat last visited Lebanon on an official state visit. Now, Beirut welcomes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud as both nations seek to improve their strained relationship. His arrival follows Lebanon’s recent election of President Joseph Aoun, who enjoys the Kingdom’s backing. But what immediate changes might this trip bring?

The circumstances in Lebanon have shifted, but Saudi expectations remain unchanged. Riyadh has long insisted on economic and legal reforms as a prerequisite for any financial assistance to the struggling nation. However, Lebanese politicians have consistently delayed implementing the reforms outlined by the IMF and its Gulf partners, prolonging a financial crisis that has left millions in poverty. Banks in Lebanon continue to restrict depositors’ access to their funds, and many hope this issue will finally be addressed with a new government in place.

This visit also comes as Lebanon anticipates a long-term “peace dividend” following the October 2023 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Expert and Political Commentary

Optimism is growing that Saudi Arabia may support Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts. With President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam now in power, Riyadh sees partners in Beirut willing to resist Hezbollah’s influence.

Hezbollah’s prolonged conflict with Israel has weakened its military strength, reducing its ability to obstruct political processes when its demands go unmet.

Political analyst Michael Young highlighted the significance of the Saudi foreign minister’s visit:

“The significance, of course, is that it’s the first visit by a Saudi foreign minister in many years. It signals that Riyadh believes Lebanon is entering a new phase in its political system. The Kingdom is now willing to cooperate with Lebanon’s new leadership, particularly President Joseph Aoun, whom they consider a reliable partner. The Saudis played a key role in his rise to power.”

Saudi Arabia has long supported Aoun’s presidency, seeing him as a statesman who prioritizes national institutions over partisan interests. The regional and international landscape has also shifted in Riyadh’s favour, as Iran and its Middle Eastern allies find themselves at their weakest point in years.

Young further explained:

“The climate in Lebanon is more favourable for improved relations with Saudi Arabia. The Saudis recognise that Iran is now on the defensive, particularly following the return of Donald Trump to the White House. They see an opportunity to turn a new page in their history with Lebanon.”

Capitalising on Iran and Hezbollah’s Losses

Both Saudi Arabia and the United States are keen to capitalise on Hezbollah and Iran’s setbacks. Reflecting on Washington’s approach to the Middle East, Lebanese lawmaker Dr. Najat Saliba shared her insights with AnewZ on what a second Trump administration’s policy might look like:

“Trump’s approach would likely prioritise sanctions on Iran as the most effective tool to cripple its support for proxies like Hezbollah. These sanctions—by cutting off financial flows and access to weapons—have already strained Iran’s economy and its ability to sustain its network of proxies.

Coupled with measures targeting black-market operations and illicit funding channels, such sanctions could severely limit Hezbollah’s operational capabilities. The Trump administration has taken a comprehensive approach—weakening proxies on the ground, cutting off financial and military support, and applying economic pressure on Iran itself.”

For both Washington and Riyadh, the top priority is ensuring Lebanon stays out of regional conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza. Hezbollah’s agreement to a ceasefire with Israel in November 2023 marked a foreign policy success for Saudi Arabia and the U.S. The key question now is whether this fragile peace can evolve into a lasting one, making war in Lebanon a thing of the past.

A Path Forward

Lebanon’s future hinges on patience and decisive action from all parties. Saudi Arabia’s renewed engagement presents an opportunity for Lebanon to implement long-overdue reforms and rebuild its economy. However, this will require political will and cooperation from the country’s leadership.

As the Kingdom evaluates its next steps, the international community will be watching closely to see whether this new phase in Saudi-Lebanese relations can bring stability and prosperity to a nation long plagued by hardship. The stakes are high—but so is the potential for progress.

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