by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
JERUSALEM/BEIRUT (Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon have asked to be annexed by Israel for protection against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, but local Christian leaders have strongly rejected the claim.
Netanyahu made the remarks in an interview with U.S. broadcaster Fox News’ Sunday Briefing, saying Israel was protecting Christian communities threatened by Hezbollah militants.
“Christian villages in Lebanon, some of them have actually asked to be annexed to Israel, because we protect them against Hezbollah, Hezbollah fanatics who want to kill them,” Netanyahu said. However, he did not identify the villages he claimed had made such requests.
The mayor of the predominantly Christian village of Rmeish, Hanna al-Amil, dismissed Netanyahu’s assertion, calling the idea “absolutely out of the question.”
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), quoted Amil as saying that 15 Christian towns had already issued a joint statement rejecting the allegations. The villages reaffirmed their “loyalty to their national identity” and their commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, saying they remained attached to the Lebanese flag.
CHRISTIAN VILLAGES RESPOND
The denials come despite months of conflict that have left many Christian communities in southern Lebanon caught between Israeli military operations and Hezbollah activity.
Since the conflict expanded into Lebanon, Christian villages near the border have endured shelling, airstrikes, displacement, and damage to homes, churches, and infrastructure.
While some residents fled, many others chose to remain to safeguard their homes, farmland, and centuries-old churches despite Israeli evacuation warnings.
Israeli military officials have also contacted mayors in several Christian-majority communities, urging them not to allow “strangers” into their villages, an apparent reference to Hezbollah fighters seeking shelter.
Speaking separately at a state ceremony Sunday, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary” to protect communities in northern Israel from future attacks.
ISRAEL VOWS TO STAY
Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir echoed that position during a visit to troops near Beaufort Castle, saying the army would continue operating “decisively” to eliminate threats originating from Lebanese territory.
Although a U.S.-brokered agreement was intended to halt the fighting and pave the way toward a lasting peace, Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have continued exchanging fire in recent months.
Israel says the conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in support of Hamas and its regional allies, prompting extensive Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Israeli troops continue to occupy several positions near the border that the government says are necessary for Israel’s security.
The fighting has further strained Lebanon, a nation of roughly 5.8 million people, where Christians comprise about one-third of the population and have historically played a significant political and cultural role.
Netanyahu also used the interview with Fox News to downplay reports of tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over regional policy.
TRUMP TIES SCRUTINIZED
“We have an excellent relationship,” Netanyahu stressed. “Ninety-nine percent of the time we see eye-to-eye, but as in any family or close friendship, there are sometimes differences of opinion, and we discuss them openly.”
His comments followed remarks by Trump in an interview with the U.S. news outlet Axios in which the U.S. president said Netanyahu “knows who the boss is.”
Trump has recently criticized Netanyahu over aspects of Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon and regional diplomacy, while also confirming that the Israeli leader is expected to visit Washington in the coming days.
The dispute over Netanyahu’s annexation claim highlighted the difficult position of Lebanon’s Christian communities.
They are caught between Hezbollah’s presence, Israeli military operations, and their determination to preserve their security and identity while remaining committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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