Netanyahu to the People of Lebanon: “Take Your Future Into Your Own Hands”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a recorded message today, Wednesday, to the people of Lebanon. At the beginning of his remarks, he 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 carrying out Iran’s orders, and which is using your territory to launch terrorist attacks against Israel.”

Netanyahu recalled life in Lebanon before the influence of Iran and Hezbollah: “Do you remember the cafes? Do you remember the culture? Do you remember the peace? All of that is gone because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war again and again and again.” He also stated that Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend itself. According to him, Hezbollah is weaker than ever, and Israel has already eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists. “Take your future into your own hands, join Israel.”

Netanyahu also addressed the possibility of peace with Lebanon: “You also know that we long for peace with you, with Lebanon. Peace in which our two peoples can invest together, build together and prosper together.” According to him, the only obstacle to this vision is Hezbollah. “Do not let your future be dictated by medieval theocrats, obsessed with destroying our shared civilization. Israel wants peace with you,” Netanyahu added.

At the end of his remarks, the prime minister addressed the people of Lebanon: “Take your future into your own hands. Join Israel. Build security and prosperity for all our children. And once Hezbollah is disarmed and eliminated as an obstacle, the possibilities will be endless. The sky is the limit.”