Netanyahu сlaims Lebanese Christian villages want to join Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/AFP

On July 5, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon would like to come under Israeli sovereignty in exchange for protection from Hezbollah, according to Arab News.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said that these communities had “asked to be annexed to Israel” because, in his words, the Israeli military is protecting them from Hezbollah militants. However, he did not identify any specific villages that had allegedly made such requests.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon. According to the report, Israel continues to hold territory along the border and conduct military operations against Hezbollah. The fighting has left thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands of residents to flee their homes.

The article notes that many residents of Christian villages in southern Lebanon chose to remain in their communities despite Israeli military evacuation warnings. Israeli forces also reportedly urged some predominantly Christian villages not to accept displaced persons from other areas, citing security concerns.

Netanyahu further stated that the Israeli military would maintain its presence in the region “for as long as necessary” to protect residents of northern Israel.

Meanwhile, Eyal Zamir said the Israeli army remains prepared to continue operations against threats originating from Lebanese territory.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Israeli lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at increasing state control over holy sites in biblical Samaria.

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