The Risks and Realities of sending Postcards Between Lebanon and Israel

Have you ever considered sending a postcard from one Middle Eastern country to another, only to find out the complexity of postal regulations and the political tensions between nations?

Complexities of Cross-Border Postcard Transfers

Sending a postcard from Lebanon to Israel poses a unique set of challenges. Given the historical and political conflicts between these two countries, it is likely that any postcard attempting to cross the border might not make it to its destination.

Take for example, a previous attempt from Qatar. While the postcard did reach Israel swiftly, it was an anomaly. The Lebanese postal service is not designed to handle such controversial items, especially under the current geopolitical climate.

Making matters more complicated, sending a postcard to Israel from Lebanon would almost certainly draw attention to the sender. It could result in surveillance by Lebanon’s security police, who might question the sender and potentially escalate to more severe consequences if they disagree with the sender's message.

The Lebanese postal service, which has maintained a policy of solidarity with Israel's neighboring nations, would likely refuse to handle the postcard. The fact that Lebanon has not withdrawn from its unilateral declaration of war on Israel complicates matters even further.

Security Concerns and Legal Risks

The situation becomes more complex if the recipient is in Israel. Writing "Israel" in the address likely means two possible outcomes: the card would be returned or destroyed by the Lebanese postal service. At worst, you could face prosecution for the crime of "normalization."

If your address includes a location in Israel, such as "Samir al-Masri 123 Saladin Street Umm-al-Fahm Haifa District, Palestine," you increase the risk further. The Israeli PO might refuse to deliver it, or it could be detained and examined by the Shin Bet (Israel's security agency). Any ambiguous language could cause difficulties for your recipient.

Public Forum Considerations and Personal Safety

If you are considering such a risky activity, it is essential to think carefully before posting about it online. Public forums can be risky, especially when discussing potentially controversial topics. Even the act of asking about it could draw unwanted attention.

Remember the gambler's rule: if you have the choice, don't risk what you can’t afford to lose. Making a postcard from Lebanon to Israel is a high-stakes game that could lead to legal trouble, surveillance, or even incarceration.

Alternatives and Perspectives

While cross-border postal activities between Lebanon and Israel are fraught with risk, there are alternative ways to communicate. The Israeli postal system is generally open to business with anyone and will deliver mail from anywhere, unless the situation is legally or politically problematic.

However, Lebanese postal offices will not sell you postage stamps, which suggests that even your attempt to mail a postcard might not be easy.

In summary, while sending a postcard from Lebanon to Israel is possible in theory, the practical and legal challenges are significant, often outweighing the benefits. It is important to be aware of these issues and proceed with caution.