In October 2021, following remarks made by then Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered a boycott of Lebanese products, a move widely seen as an attempt to exert economic pressure on Lebanon.

The decision came after comments made by Kordahi, prior to taking office, in which he described the Saudi-led war in Yemen as a “futile war”.

Last Wednesday, however, bin Salman announced the end of the boycott following a series of contacts and meetings undertaken by the Lebanese government with Israel.

The move is being interpreted by some observers as an effort by Riyadh to encourage the Lebanese government to continue its engagement with Israel.

A review of social media activity by Lebanese commentators and public figures between Wednesday and Friday suggests that many within Lebanon’s political and intellectual circles have remained unconvinced by the policy shift and its underlying motivations.