Ali Attieh in a TikTok video expressing his preference for Israel over other Middle Eastern countries. Photo: Screenshot

A Lebanese man has been arrested after displaying the Israeli flag in a video he shared on the social media platform TikTok while describing Israel as his “favorite” Middle Eastern country, according to local media reports.

In the video, which has since been removed from the platform, Ali Attieh appeared with images of a Lebanese and an Israeli flag above his head. A text at the top of the screen asked him to choose his “favorite Arab country,” following which he turned his head in the direction of the Israeli flag, which was then stamped with a purple heart emoji.

Flags of other Middle Eastern countries appeared on the screen with the same question. Attieh continued to tilt his head toward the Israeli flag, apparently showing his preference for the Jewish state over other countries in the region.

نشر #فيديو مع العلم الاسرائيلي… وتحرّك #لأمن_الدولة! (#فيديو)https://t.co/MdAL5vgU8I@lbstatesecurity pic.twitter.com/v9wPDuFfNr

— Lebanon Debate (@lebanondebate) September 18, 2023

After the video was shared online, Attieh was arrested, the Arabic website Lebanese Debate reported on Monday. Lebanon’s General Directorate of State Security said legal action was taken against Attieh “under the supervision of the competent judiciary,” according to the report.

Israel and Lebanon have no formal diplomatic relations. Lebanese law bans citizens from having contact or conducting business with Israelis.