Netanyahu's Christian comments 'aimed at sowing strife': Lebanese analysts

Lebanese Christian villages have strongly refuted claims made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they requested annexation to Israel. Netanyahu had asserted on Fox News that these villages sought annexation for protection against Hezbollah, describing the group as "fanatics who want to kill them."

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Christian villages in Lebanon, some of them have actually asked to be annexed to Israel, because we protect them against Hezbollah, Hezbollah fanatics who want to kill them, and we do the same things with Christians everywhere.

Lebanese analysts and residents of southern Lebanon have lambasted Netanyahu's statements, with some labeling him a "pathological liar." Karim Emile Bitar, a professor of international relations at Saint Joseph University of Beirut, told Al Jazeera that the claims were "completely fabricated." He added that Lebanese MPs and government officials had contacted mayors in southern Lebanon, confirming no such requests were made.

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[Netanyahu’s claims] reflect his cynicism and the fact that he’s a pathological liar.

Officials from 15 southern Lebanese towns with Christian populations issued a joint statement denouncing Netanyahu's remarks. Analysts suggest these comments are an attempt to incite sedition and strife among Lebanese communities, particularly concerning Hezbollah, while simultaneously fostering division regarding Israel.

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Several Lebanese MPs and government officials called every single mayor of all towns in south Lebanon, and there is absolutely no truth in these statements. It is completely a fabricated claim.

Netanyahu's comments emerge amid heightened tensions following a US-brokered agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The recent escalation included Hezbollah firing rockets at Israeli targets and Israel responding with increased attacks across Lebanon. Israel has faced international criticism for indiscriminate attacks on Lebanese targets, including incidents involving Christians, such as an Israeli soldier smashing a Jesus statue and an Israeli tank killing a priest.

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