A professor at the American University of Beirut has been criticized for writing a book in collaboration with two scholars from the University of Tel Aviv, according to the Los Angeles Times. Lebanese law forbids its citizens from having any contact with Israelis. Sari Hannifin angered social scientist colleagues and students at the university, many of which support a proposed academic boycott of Israeli universities. Later interrupted speaking engagements in the UK to appear before a meeting of students and staff on the campus of UAB in which he apologized for the offense caused, but defended his actions. The AUB Provost Ahmad Dallas, reminded all scholars of the need to respect the law. Hannifin advocates claim that he had been subjected to a "witch hunt."