Netanyahu’s Unusual Message to Lebanese Citizens: “Do You Remember the Cafes?”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a message today (Wednesday) to the people of Lebanon. In his remarks, Netanyahu said: “I have a message for you, citizens of Lebanon. Israel is not at war with you. We are at war with Hezbollah, which has taken your country hostage, which is doing Iran’s bidding, and using your territory to launch terror attacks against Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu | Photo: Photo: Video: Itai Beit-On, Government Press Office, Sound: Yehezkel Kandil, Government Press Office. 10 10 0:00 / 1:40 Do you remember Lebanon before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare? Do you remember the cafes? The culture? Do you remember the peace? All that is no more, because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war again and again and again. You deserve better. Your children deserve better. You know that Israel will do everything necessary to defend our families, our communities.”

Netanyahu also said: “Hezbollah is weaker than ever. Israel is stronger than ever. We have eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists so far. We are systematically cleansing southern Lebanon of these zealots. No matter where they are, we will find them. You also know that we yearn for peace with you, with Lebanon. A peace in which our two 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 necessary to achieve their sick goals.”

He concluded: “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.”