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Netanyahu says some Lebanese Christian villages sought annexation by Israel
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Netanyahu says some Lebanese Christian villages sought annexation by Israel

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed some Christian villages in southern Lebanon requested annexation by Israel for protection from Hezbollah.
  • Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East war on March 2 after Hezbollah attacked Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.
  • The mayor of the Christian village of Rmeish denied Netanyahu's claim, stating that 15 Christian towns had issued a statement rejecting the allegations and reaffirming their loyalty to Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon had sought annexation by Israel to gain protection from Hezbollah militants. He made these remarks during an interview with Fox News, suggesting that Israel's protection extends to Christians everywhere.

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

— Benjamin NetanyahuDuring an interview with Fox News' 'The Sunday Briefing'.

Lebanon became involved in the broader Middle East conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, a response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel retaliated with extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, now occupying territory near the border.

even contemplating the idea was “absolutely out of the question”

— Hanna al-AmilThe mayor of Rmeish, denying Netanyahu's claim.

However, the mayor of the Lebanese Christian village of Rmeish, Hanna al-Amil, publicly refuted Netanyahu's assertion. Al-Amil told the Lebanese public broadcaster NNA that the idea of annexation was "absolutely out of the question." He further stated that "15 Christian towns had issued a statement two days ago denying these allegations." These villages had previously affirmed their commitment to remaining in Lebanon, emphasizing their national identity and allegiance to the Lebanese flag.

15 Christian towns had issued a statement two days ago denying these allegations

— Hanna al-AmilThe mayor of Rmeish, refuting Netanyahu's assertion.

Netanyahu also reiterated Israel's intention to maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to safeguard Israeli citizens. Meanwhile, Israel's military chief visited troops near Beaufort Castle, vowing decisive action against threats from Lebanese territory. Despite a US-brokered agreement aimed at ending hostilities, Israeli forces continue to engage with Hezbollah.

as long as necessary in order to protect the residents of the north and all the citizens of Israel

— Benjamin NetanyahuReiterating Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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