WATCH: Israel at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, Netanyahu says in message to Lebanese people

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly addressed the Lebanese people, asserting that Israel's conflict is with Hezbollah, not with Lebanon itself. In a video message shared on his official X/Twitter account, Netanyahu urged Lebanese citizens to reject Hezbollah's influence, characterizing the group as the sole obstacle to peace, prosperity, and cooperation between the two nations.

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Israel is at war with Hezbollah, and not with the people of Lebanon.

Netanyahu accused the Hezbollah terror organization of holding Lebanon hostage and acting on behalf of Iran. He claimed the group uses Lebanese territory to launch attacks against Israel, lamenting the loss of Lebanon's former vibrancy. "Do you remember what Lebanon was like before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare? Remember the cafés? Remember the culture? Remember the calm? All that’s gone because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war over and over and over again," he stated.

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The Hezbollah terror organization has 'taken your country hostage, does Iran's bidding, [and] uses your territory to launch terrorist attacks against Israel.'

The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that the Lebanese people deserve better and that Israel will take necessary measures to protect its citizens. He projected strength, stating, "Hezbollah is weaker than ever. Israel is stronger than ever. We’ve taken out nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists so far. We’re systematically clearing out South Lebanon of these fanatics. No matter where they are, we’ll find them."

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Do you remember what Lebanon was like before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare? Remember the cafés? Remember the culture? Remember the calm? All that’s gone because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war over and over and over again.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel's yearning for peace with Lebanon, envisioning a future where both peoples can invest, build, and thrive together. He identified Hezbollah as the "only impediment, the only obstacle to this beautiful vision," accusing them of desiring war and sacrificing Lebanese lives for their aims. He concluded by urging Lebanon to seize its future, join Israel, and build safety and prosperity, suggesting that endless possibilities await once Hezbollah is dismantled.

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Hezbollah is weaker than ever. Israel is stronger than ever. We’ve taken out nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists so far. We’re systematically clearing out South Lebanon of these fanatics. No matter where they are, we’ll find them.