Netanyahu addresses Lebanese people directly: Israel at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon

Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video address to the citizens of Lebanon, stating Israel is not at war with them but with Hezbollah, and expressing a desire for peace. The address follows a similar overture earlier today by President Herzog. Israel's military-level peace talks with Lebanon in Washington are expected to resume June 22, according to reports.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's video address to the Lebanese people marks the latest in a coordinated Israeli outreach effort, following President Herzog's Arabic-language appeal earlier today. In his remarks, which were reported by Abu Ali Express, Netanyahu explicitly distinguished between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah, saying, "We are not at war with you, but with Hezbollah." He described Hezbollah as the obstacle to peace between the two countries. As The Zioneer reported earlier today (June 10), Herzog called on Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the people of Lebanon to rise against Hezbollah and Iran. The diplomatic push coincides with reports that military-level peace talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington are expected to resume on June 22. This follows a week of parallel statements from Lebanese officials: last week, Lebanese PM Najib Salam stated the war was not Lebanon's and accused Iran of using southern Lebanon as a "bargaining chip." Netanyahu's address also builds on his earlier insistence — reported by The Zioneer on June 8 — that "the equation Iran and Hezbollah tried to impose on us is unacceptable." The direct appeal to the Lebanese public represents a departure from the current Israeli government's previous posture, emphasizing the civilian population as a potential ally against Hezbollah's military entrenchment. The resumption date for the Washington talks has not been formally confirmed by either government; it remains a reported schedule.

7 developments

1. 20:21 · 10 JunLatest

   Netanyahu claims nearly 10,000 Hezbollah operatives have been eliminated.

2. 20:12 · 10 Jun

   Military-level peace talks in Washington expected to resume June 22

3. 20:07 · 10 Jun

   Netanyahu explicitly states Israel seeks peace with the Lebanese people

• Developing16:45 · 5 JunLebanese PM says war with Hezbollah not Lebanon's, accuses Iran of using south as bargaining chip
• Developing2 days ago · 20:24 · 19 JunNetanyahu: I ordered the IDF to strike 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
• Developing18:25 · 8 JunNetanyahu: Iran and Hezbollah weaker than ever, campaign not over
• Developing18:20 · 8 JunNetanyahu says IDF fighters are 'dismantling Hezbollah'

Source and signal

• Internal intake