Netanyahu Urges Lebanese Citizens to Join Israel in Fight Against Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Lebanese citizens to join Israel’s struggle against the Hezbollah group, claiming that Lebanon has been ‘held hostage’ by the Iran-backed militants. ‘Israel is not fighting you. We are fighting Hezbollah, which has taken your country hostage,’ Netanyahu said in a video statement addressed to the Lebanese people. ‘We yearn for peace with you, with Lebanon,’ the Israeli premier stated in his attempt to persuade the Lebanese public. ‘Israel wants peace with you. Seize your future. Join Israel. Build security and prosperity for all our children. And once Hezbollah is dismantled, the possibilities are limitless. And the possibilities are very high,’ Netanyahu declared. The appeal came as Israel continued to bombard Lebanese territory, particularly in the southern part of the country which serves as a Hezbollah stronghold. Latest reports indicate Israeli strikes killed at least 12 people in southern Lebanon. The National News Agency reported that Israel struck more than 30 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon throughout Wednesday local time. The NNA said Tel Aviv’s attacks hit the Tayr Debba and Deir Qanun al-Nahr areas, as well as three towns where the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings. The NNA also reported an Israeli drone strike hit a vehicle in the Sidon area, a coastal city further from the Lebanese-Israeli border. An AFP correspondent in Sidon reported hearing an explosion before seeing a car on fire and rescue workers evacuating two people from the vehicle. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported nine people were killed by the Israeli strike in Tayr Debba and three others died in Sidon. These deadly attacks took place despite a truce introduced in April, which has never been honoured by either Israel or Hezbollah. A conditional ceasefire announced last week was rejected by Hezbollah, and both sides continue to exchange fire.