Netanyahu’s Message to the Lebanese People: "Take Your Future Into Your Own Hands, Join Israel"

(Photo: Itai Beit-On/ GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a recorded message this evening (Wednesday) to the Lebanese people. At the start of his remarks, Netanyahu said: "Citizens of Lebanon. Israel is not at war with you. We are at war against Hezbollah, which has taken your country hostage, does Iran’s bidding, and uses your territory to launch terror attacks against Israel."

"Do you remember Lebanon before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare? Do you remember the cafes? The culture? Do you remember the quiet? All of that is gone, because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war again and again. You deserve better. Your children deserve better. You know that Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend our families, our communities."

"Hezbollah is weaker than ever. Israel is stronger than ever. We have eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists so far. We are systematically clearing southern Lebanon of these fanatics. No matter where they are, we will find them."

Netanyahu added: "You also know that we long for peace with you, with Lebanon. A peace in which both our peoples can invest together, build together, and prosper together. The only obstacle to this beautiful vision is Hezbollah. They want war, not peace. They want death, not life. They will sacrifice as many of you as possible to achieve their sick goals."

"Do not let your future be dictated by medieval theocrats determined to destroy our shared civilization. Israel wants peace with you. Take your future into your own hands. Join Israel. Build security and prosperity for all our children. And once Hezbollah is dismantled, the possibilities will be endless — and the sky is the limit."