Aoun's handshake with Israeli Druze leader sparks Lebanese controversy

A photograph of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shaking hands with the spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community has sparked controversy. The Lebanese presidency has responded, denying any prior knowledge or intention behind the encounter. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation published the image taken at the new Pope's installation in the Vatican. The Lebanese presidency stated Aoun did not know the Druze leader, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, and that the photo was distributed by Israeli media for "suspicious purposes." Lebanese law prohibits contact with Israel. The presidency's statement emphasized the photo's distribution aimed to misrepresent the situation, given the official Lebanese stance against normalization with Israel.