Arabic version: القادة اللبنانيون يرفضون مزاعم نتنياهو بدعم المسيحيين للضم
Lebanon’s Christian villages have firmly rejected claims made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they requested to be annexed by Israel. Netanyahu’s statements, made during an interview on Fox News, suggested that these villages sought Israeli protection against Hezbollah, which he described as a threat to their safety. However, local officials and analysts have called these assertions false and manipulative.
According to Al Jazeera, officials from 15 southern Lebanese towns with Christian populations issued a statement denying any such requests for annexation. They emphasized that Netanyahu’s remarks were fabricated and aimed at creating discord among Lebanese citizens.
Lebanese political analysts, including Karim Emile Bitar from Saint Joseph University, criticized Netanyahu’s comments as a cynical strategy to exploit sectarian divisions within Lebanon. They argue that these statements are part of a broader Israeli approach to incite internal conflict and promote the idea that Israel could serve as a protector of certain minority groups.
The backdrop to Netanyahu’s comments includes a recent spike in violence and tension between Israel and Hezbollah, with significant military engagements and casualties reported. Although Lebanese society is deeply divided along sectarian lines, there remains a strong consensus against Israel, with many Lebanese viewing it as an enemy. A recent poll indicated that a majority of Lebanese prefer diplomatic solutions over armed resistance.
Lebanon’s political representation is characterized by a complex sectarian system, making Netanyahu’s claims particularly provocative. Local leaders, including Melhem Khalaf, a Greek Orthodox MP, have publicly denounced Netanyahu’s right to speak on behalf of Christians in Lebanon. The response from local communities underscores a collective determination to counter Israeli attempts to sow civil strife and maintain unity among the diverse Lebanese populace.
