Netanyahu claims Lebanon Christian villages seek annexation; communities deny it
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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Context piece
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed some Christian villages in Lebanon requested annexation by Israel for protection from Hezbollah.
- Christian communities in Lebanon have denied these claims, stating they remain loyal to Lebanon and have no authority to consider such a move.
- The report details ongoing Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, including recent airstrikes, and notes damage to religious sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that some Christian villages in Lebanon have requested annexation by Israel, citing protection from Hezbollah as the reason. He stated that Israel offers the same protection to Christians everywhere.
Some Christian villages in Lebanon have requested annexation by Israel. We are protecting them from the fanatics of Hezbollah who want to kill them.
However, Christian communities in Lebanon have vehemently denied Netanyahu's assertions. Hanna Al-Amil, the mayor of the Christian village of Rmeish, told the Lebanese National News Agency that considering annexation by Israel is "absolutely out of the question." He added that 15 Christian villages had issued a joint statement two days prior denying any such claims. These villages emphasized their loyalty to Lebanon, their national identity, and their attachment to the Lebanese flag, asserting they have neither the authority nor the legal right to make such a decision.
It is absolutely out of the question to even consider annexation by Israel.
The report also touches on the ongoing Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, which began in March under the pretext of eliminating Hezbollah. Local media indicates Israel occupies 620 square kilometers of Lebanese territory. Photos circulating online showed Israeli soldiers damaging religious statues, including a statue of Jesus and a Virgin Mary figure, sparking public outrage. Despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah established on April 19, Israeli forces have not withdrawn from southern Lebanon.
The 15 Christian villages issued a statement two days ago denying the claims from the Israeli side.
Recent Israeli airstrikes on areas like Nabatieh have resulted in casualties, with one Lebanese person killed and another injured on the day of the report. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported a total of 4,304 deaths and 12,203 injuries among Lebanese citizens since the conflict began.
We have neither the authority nor the legal right to make such a decision.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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