Israeli Officer Considers Normalization with Syria Easier than with Lebanon
It appears that the Israeli assessment of the regional situation is moving toward the possibility of achieving a diplomatic breakthrough with Syria before Lebanon due to the different demographic comp
March 25, 2025, 10:38 pm

Israeli Officer Considers Normalization with Syria Easier than with Lebanon

سوريا \ مصممة بالذكاء الاصطناعي

Former Israeli military intelligence official Jack Neria stated that establishing diplomatic relations with Syria is considered an easier option compared to Lebanon, given the social and structural complexities in the Lebanese fabric.

Neria's comments came in response to statements by US envoy Steve Whitcoff regarding the strong possibility of establishing formal relations between Israel and both Syria and Lebanon in the near future.

The Israeli official explained that "the composition of the Lebanese people hinders the conclusion of such an agreement, as within each sect there are different positions regarding normalization, with varying proportions of supporters and opponents." He indicated that this sectarian diversity constitutes an obstacle to achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.

Neria recounted details of his meeting with the former Lebanese president, saying: "I personally met with President Amin Gemayel in Paris in 1993 and asked him why he did not sign a peace agreement with Israel. He answered me: 'You should know that according to the constitution, Lebanon has an Arab face. We must turn to the Arab world and not rely on Israel.'"

The former Israeli officer continued, quoting Gemayel: "If Lebanon is not provided with military, economic, and political cover from Israel, there will be no normalization. It's easier to establish normalization with Syria where the majority is Sunni," pointing out that Syria's demographic situation differs from that of Lebanon.

In the context of his conversation, Neria referred to the possibility of "reaching an agreement with al-Shara after a period, if he remains in his position," referring to the temporary transitional Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and the possibility of achieving progress on the path of relations with Israel.

Steve Whitcoff, the US President's Special Envoy, considered that the position of the temporary transitional Syrian President has shifted from what it was previously, and that the normalization of relations between Lebanon and Syria with Israel has become a realistic possibility, which enhances the chances of building a stable regional system.

The American envoy hinted that organizing relations between Lebanon and Israel, then between Syria and Israel, could form a pivotal element within a broader strategy to consolidate peace in the Middle East region.

Turkey Protests Enter Second Week Amid Government Warnings and Widespread Arrests Pedersen: Syrians' Hopes Have Declined and Coastal Events Are Concerning

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.