Lebanon’s boycott of Israel law has made headlines in recent weeks amid the direct contacts between the two countries now taking place in Washington, ahead of the possibility of direct negotiations between Jerusalem and Beirut under U.S. mediation.
Under Lebanese law, even the latest contacts between Lebanon’s ambassador in Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, and Israel’s ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, are considered problematic, despite being conducted by diplomats and mediated by a third country.
In recent weeks, several reports have said the United States is pressuring Lebanon to repeal the law. Among other things, it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump was surprised by the law’s existence and believed it would be repealed quickly. In April, U.S. members of Congress reportedly sent a letter to the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, asking him to pressure the Lebanese government to suspend enforcement of laws banning communication between Lebanese and Israelis. The lawmakers said such laws undermine Lebanese sovereignty, delay full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and increase the risk of miscalculation across the border.
What is the boycott law?
The law was enacted in June 1955 and signed by Lebanon’s leaders at the time: former President Camille Chamoun, then-Prime Minister and Justice Minister Sami as-Solh and Economy Minister Rashid Karami. It contains 13 articles, with the first detailing the ban on ties with Israel. It states that no person may directly or indirectly sign an agreement with entities or individuals residing in Israel, Israeli citizens or anyone working for Israel or on its behalf. The ban includes commercial deals, financial transactions and any other transaction.
Ya Allah: Understanding Lebanon's boycott of Israel law
(Video: Yaron Brenner)
Under the law’s second article, it is forbidden to bring Israeli goods and products of any kind into Lebanon, or to trade in or exchange them, including securities. Israeli products are defined as products made in Israel, containing any Israeli-made component or passing through Israel. The law also details possible penalties for violations, including imprisonment from three months to three years, “hard labor” for three to 10 years, fines and confiscations, depending on the offense.
Several bodies in Lebanon are responsible for enforcing the law. The Office for the Boycott of Israel, which belongs to the Lebanese Economy Ministry, publishes lists of “prohibited” companies. Lebanon’s General Directorate of Internal Security is responsible for monitoring border crossings and checking passports. The military court system also plays a role, as Article 12 of the boycott law states that “the trial of crimes and violations of this law falls under the jurisdiction of military courts.”
Lebanon also has a penal code that includes articles banning transactions and contact with “the enemy,” with penalties attached. Article 275 states that “any Lebanese who conspires with the enemy or contacts it in order to help it in any way achieve victory for its forces shall be punished by execution.” Together, the boycott law and Lebanon’s penal code, which dates back to 1943, effectively block any possible contact with Israel.
Even 'Snow White' violates the law
The reason the boycott law has made headlines in recent days is that it is the broader law, referring specifically to Israel rather than to an “enemy” in general. Now, amid the contacts, the law is effectively a central obstacle to any progress, since it prohibits any agreement or contract between the two countries. According to reports, repealing the law would require a bill approved by a majority of Lebanon’s parliament.
In recent years, several incidents in Lebanon have made headlines after raising suspicions of possible violations of the law against Israel. In July 2025, candies with Hebrew writing reportedly were distributed at an event in Beirut’s Dahieh district. In another case, suspicions were raised over a shipment from a shoe company whose logo resembled a Star of David.
Lebanon is also home to the “Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon,” which includes activists working to enforce the boycott law. Last year, the campaign acted against Netflix, saying the platform was violating Lebanese law by making Israeli content available to the local market. In 2025, the campaign also took part in protests against screenings of “Snow White,” starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot, in Arab countries.
Similar civil society groups exist in other Arab countries, as do legally anchored bans on ties with Israel, such as Iraq’s prohibition on normalization with Israel.