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Tech not tanks: A message from an Israeli entrepreneur to the Lebanese business community

In a turn of events that stunned the world this month, the decades-long Assad regime was dislodged from power in Syria, sweeping out Iranian forces and influence and neutralizing any remaining Hezbollah presence – thereby creating an unprecedented opportunity for Lebanon and the region – writes Erel Margalit (pictured), Founder and Executive Chairman JVP & Margalit Startup City

The stage is set for a profound transformation as the route for Lebanon to serve as a theater of war for Iran has been blocked and Syria is no longer a corridor for missiles, ammunition, and Iranian proxies.

Just as Syria will now be undergoing dramatic change, Lebanon must seize this moment to reclaim its sovereignty. The time has come to root out Iranian and Syrian interference and dismantle Hezbollah’s death grip on the country.

Christians, Sunnis, Druze, and moderate Shiites from all walks of life can take back what is theirs. With the right international support and initiatives from within Lebanon’s own business and civil leadership, the nation can return to being a thriving country— not one ruled by a terrorist organization that has served as an Iranian proxy, an Assad collaborator, and a key Hamas ally. One that has rained down some 20,000 rockets into Israel amid multiple attacks on our northern communities over the past 14 months, forcing Israel to respond by targeting Hezbollah strongholds and leadership in southern Lebanon.

As Israel and Lebanon emerge from this devastating 14-month conflict and a bloody chapter in our countries’ respective histories, it is time to write a new one.

To the people of Lebanon—its business and social entrepreneurs, its leaders who still have faith in a country once known as the Switzerland of the Middle East – to those who believe in Lebanon’s potential for revival, I call on you to forge a new partnership with Israel’s business and high-tech community.

My message is simple yet urgent: Reclaim your country. Establish an inclusive government and develop a vision for Lebanon that allows its economy and society to thrive. Resist Hezbollah — not for Israel’s sake, but for Lebanon’s survival.

Hezbollah has used Lebanon as a vessel for Iran’s ambitions, and its presence has been a stranglehold on its sovereignty. The terrorist organization does not represent Lebanon’s future; it serves external interests that have dragged Lebanon into endless conflict and strife.

Israel has no territorial disputes with Lebanon. Our past conflicts have been rooted in defending ourselves against aggression originating from your land — first the PLO in the late 1970s and early 1980s, then Hezbollah, which has amassed more missiles in Lebanon than many European countries possess.

It is time to dismantle that arsenal and free Lebanon as a battleground for dominance.

To the many talented, creative, and dynamic Lebanese living around the world: Your country needs you now more than ever. You can reclaim Lebanon as a sovereign, thriving state. If you take that path, many of us in Israel would stand ready to support you. We have seen the fruits of partnerships with countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and, increasingly, Saudi Arabia. These partnerships demonstrate what can be achieved when neighbors prioritize collaboration over conflict.

Lebanon, too, can chart such a course.

To the international community—the Biden and Trump administrations, to my good friend in France Emmanuel Macron, and others: Lebanon needs your support to break free from Hezbollah’s grip. The Lebanese Army requires backing to neutralize the thousands of missiles, explosives, and military facilities Hezbollah continues to operate. It also needs protection against the flow of weapons from Iran through Syria. A comprehensive plan—a “Marshall Plan” for Lebanon—is essential to rebuilding and stabilizing the country over the next decade.

On Israel’s northern border, we are already taking steps to promote collaboration. We’ve established a FoodTech, AgTech, and ClimateTech center, focusing on agricultural innovation. Lebanon, with its rich agricultural heritage, can become a key partner in such initiatives.

Let’s explore ways to integrate efforts across the border. If meeting on neutral ground is easier, Paris and New York offer opportunities to begin this dialogue.

Lebanon has the potential for a new beginning — one liberated from Hezbollah’s shadow and Iran’s influence. This moment calls for courage, leadership, and vision. We Israelis stand ready to support your journey toward a better future for Lebanon and the region.

Together, we can bring hope, rebuild trust, and create opportunities that benefit all. The choice is yours. The time is now.

Erel Margalit, Founder and Executive Chairman JVP & Margalit Startup City, is one of the chief architects of Israel’s tech scene

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