Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an English-language video address to the people of Lebanon, saying Israel sees them as allies and Hezbollah — backed by Iran — as the enemy. He stated that Israel has eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah operatives and is systematically clearing southern Lebanon of the group, amid ongoing peace negotiations with the Lebanese government.
Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke directly to the Lebanese public in a video released Tuesday evening, timed to coincide with ongoing peace negotiations between Israel and the Lebanese government in Washington. The address is Netanyahu's second direct appeal to Lebanese citizens in as many hours — following a video earlier today — and builds on his June 8 remarks asserting that Israel will not accept the 'equation Iran and Hezbollah tried to impose.' In the video, Netanyahu claimed Israel has killed nearly 10,000 Hezbollah operatives to date, and is 'systematically cleansing' southern Lebanon of the group. He contrasted a pre-Hezbollah Lebanon of cafés, culture and quiet with the present 'nightmare' brought by Iran's proxy. The prime minister stressed that Hezbollah is 'weaker than ever' and that Israel will find its fighters 'no matter where they are.' The address comes as senior Lebanese officials have increasingly distanced themselves from Hezbollah's agenda. On June 5, President Aoun told CNN that Iran is using Lebanon as a 'bargaining chip,' and Prime Minister Salam said the war is not Lebanon's and accused Iran of using southern Lebanon to improve its negotiating terms. Israeli peace talks with Lebanon are expected to resume June 22.
7 developments
- DevelopingLebanese PM says war with Hezbollah not Lebanon's, accuses Iran of using south as bargaining chip
- DevelopingNetanyahu: Iran and Hezbollah weaker than ever, campaign not over
- DevelopingNetanyahu says IDF fighters are 'dismantling Hezbollah'
- DevelopingLebanon's President says Lebanese people are tired of war with Hezbollah, Israel
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