Report: U.S. Mulling Israeli Invitation to Terror Conference after Lebanon's Boycott

The United States is reportedly reconsidering a decision to invite Israel to a conference expected to be held in Washington next week after Lebanon decided to boycott it over claims that it cannot take part in a meeting to confront terrorism with the Jewish state's participation.

According to As Safir newspaper published on Monday, Lebanon's decision created a fuss among European countries that began wondering about the matter, which caused Washington to hesitate in its invitation.

Sources told the daily that the Iraqi foreign ministry is also mulling its decision whether to take part in the conference or not amid Lebanon's steady stance.

The sources pointed out that “it's no longer a secret that Israel directly or indirectly supports extremist groups such as (al-Qaida-affiliate) al-Nusra Front in Syria's Quneitra.”

On Saturday, media reports said that Washington received an official apology from Lebanon on its participation in the “White House conference on efforts to counter violent extremism,” as Beirut argued it cannot be a “partner with Israel in confronting terrorism.”

More than 60 countries, including 14 Arab nations and Israel, are expected to take part in the summit slated on February 18 at the White House and presided by U.S. President Barack Obama.

The White House planned the conference in light of the recent shootings in France and earlier attacks in Canada and Australia.

The meetings are expected to continue the next day where the foreign ministers will meet at the headquarters of the U.S. State Department, headed by Secretary of State John Kerry. The third day is devoted to meetings of experts and specialized committees in Washington.

Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq confirmed that Lebanon, represented by Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil, apologized for the participation in the conference after consultations with Prime Minister Tammam Salam.

“Lebanon has informed some Arab delegations that it does not participate in meetings involving Israel they are held under the sponsorship of the United Nations,” a report published in As Safir revealed.

The Islamic State controls several areas in Syria and Iraq and aims to spread to Lebanon as its fighters position in the outskirts of Bekaa towns bordering Syria and the Lebanese army is in adamant efforts to stop their efforts to infiltrate the country.

H.K.

G.K.