Netanyahu to Lebanese: 'Join Israel' in its fight against Hezbollah

In an unusual direct address to the Lebanese people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited them to distance themselves from Hezbollah, which Israel designates as an Iranian proxy and an obstacle to peace. The message comes amid ongoing fighting and strikes, despite ceasefire announcements, highlighting a more direct Israeli communication strategy towards Lebanon amidst regional tensions.

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Israel is not at war with you.

Netanyahu, speaking in a video released in English with Arabic subtitles, emphasized that he was addressing the citizens, not the Lebanese authorities. "Israel is not at war with you," he stated, according to the Times of Israel. He identified Hezbollah as the primary target of the ongoing offensive, accusing the group of "taking your country hostage" and using Lebanese territory for attacks against Israel while sacrificing the population for its own objectives.

Seeking to broaden the military discourse into a political one, Netanyahu declared, "We aspire to peace with you, with Lebanon." He urged the Lebanese people to take control of their destiny, stating, "Join Israel. Let's build security and prosperity for all our children," suggesting limitless possibilities once Hezbollah is dismantled.

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We are at war with Hezbollah, which has taken your country hostage, which obeys the orders of Iran, which uses your territory to launch terrorist attacks against Israel.

This appeal follows a reported ceasefire agreement on June 4th between Israel and Lebanon, yet active conflict persists. The Israeli army continues its airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon, while Hezbollah claims daily attacks against Israeli forces. This discrepancy between diplomatic announcements and military intensity fuels perceptions of a fragile de-escalation process.

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We aspire to peace with you, with Lebanon. Join Israel. Let's build security and prosperity for all our children.

Notably, Israeli President Isaac Herzog also addressed the Lebanese shortly before Netanyahu, speaking in Arabic from Israel's northern border. He extended "a hand of peace to the President of Lebanon and the Lebanese people," stressing that Lebanon's future should be free from the influence of Hezbollah and Iran. Herzog placed the responsibility on the Lebanese people to ensure their freedom from Hezbollah's dictates.

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I extend a hand of peace to the President of Lebanon and the Lebanese people.