Netanyahu to Lebanese People: 'Israel is Not at War With You, But With Hezbollah'

A Direct Appeal to the Lebanese Public

In a strategic communication move aimed at bypassing the Lebanese government and Hezbollah’s media apparatus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message on Wednesday evening addressed directly to the people of Lebanon. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) framed the message as an invitation to peace, contingent upon the removal of Hezbollah’s grip on the country. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s military operations are targeted specifically at the Iran-backed organization, which he accused of taking Lebanon "hostage" to serve Tehran's regional interests.

Netanyahu invoked a nostalgic vision of Lebanon’s past, asking citizens if they remembered the country before it was transformed into what he described as a "nightmare" of war and instability. "Do you remember the cafes? The culture? The quiet?" Netanyahu asked, contrasting that image with the current reality of conflict. He asserted that the primary barrier to restoring that reality is Hezbollah, which he labeled as the "only obstacle" to a future of shared investment and growth between the two nations.

Significant Attrition of Hezbollah Forces

For the first time in a public address of this nature, the Prime Minister provided a specific figure regarding the scale of Hezbollah's losses. Netanyahu claimed that Israel has eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah operatives since the escalation of hostilities. This figure suggests a massive attrition of the group's fighting force, which Netanyahu described as "weaker than ever." He added that the IDF is systematically clearing southern Lebanon of the group's infrastructure and personnel.

While the IDF has consistently reported the elimination of senior commanders and the destruction of thousands of targets, the claim of 10,000 operatives represents a significant assertion regarding the total damage to the group's ranks. Netanyahu’s rhetoric was designed to project Israeli strength and Hezbollah’s vulnerability, delivering a message both to the Lebanese public and to the group's patrons in Tehran.

Diplomatic Context and Regional Stakes

The address comes at a critical juncture, as peace negotiations between Israel and the Lebanese government are expected to resume at a military level in Washington on June 22. Netanyahu’s message appears intended to drive a wedge between the Lebanese populace and Hezbollah, particularly as the group continues to reject U.S.-brokered ceasefire terms.

By framing the conflict as a struggle against "medieval theocrats," Netanyahu aligned Israel’s security objectives with a broader vision of regional stability. He concluded by urging the Lebanese people to "take ownership of your future," promising that once Hezbollah is dismantled, the possibilities for cooperation and prosperity would be "endless." This outreach mirrors a similar appeal made earlier the same day by President Isaac Herzog, indicating a coordinated Israeli effort to communicate directly with the Lebanese public amid the ongoing military campaign.