Netanyahu's dinner, American officials, and the Lebanese billionaire
The Prime Minister attended a memorial event for Senator Lindsey Graham. Antoun Sehnaoui, who recently drew attention for his pro-Israel positions, was also present. A participant clarified that regional issues were not discussed.
On the evening before his meeting with President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attended a dinner in Washington in memory of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The event, organized by Morgan Ortagus, former Deputy Special Envoy of the US President to the Middle East, was held with the participation of Graham's family, close friends, senior administration officials, and members of Congress, including Senator Ted Cruz.
During the event, the Netanyahus met and spoke with Ortagus's spouse, the Lebanese banker Antoun Sehnaoui. Sehnaoui is a prominent figure in the Lebanese financial sector, serving as Chairman of the SGBL banking group and the European banking group Compagnie Financière Richelieu. Beyond his business activities, he is involved in film production and philanthropy.
In recent months, Sehnaoui has attracted attention in Lebanon due to his sympathetic attitude toward Israel and Zionism. In April, he participated alongside Ortagus in the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, where his name was unveiled on the donor wall. Ortagus introduced him as a "Lebanese Christian Zionist" and praised his willingness to support Holocaust commemoration and peace initiatives despite the criticism and personal risk involved. This move sparked sharp reactions in Lebanon.
Pictured: Businessman Sehnaoui and Netanyahu
A source who participated in the dinner clarified in a conversation with the Lebanese LBCI channel that the meeting between Sehnaoui, Ortagus, and Netanyahu did not deal with the Lebanese issue. According to the source, the evening was intended to gather Graham's friends to pay tribute to his memory and did not serve as a platform for political discussions.
"America has lost a great patriot"
According to the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu spoke warmly with Graham's sister and his temporary successor, Senator Darlene Graham Nordon. Throughout the evening, participants extolled Graham's legacy and expressed their commitment to the fight against antisemitism and to strengthening the alliance between the United States and Israel.
"America has lost a great patriot. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends and supporters. And I have lost a dear friend," said Netanyahu. "Lindsey was committed with all his might to the security of the United States, to the security of Israel, and to the relentless fight against antisemitism. I will miss him very much, and we will all miss him very much."
