Netanyahu Tells Lebanese People: Israel’s War Is With Hezbollah, Not Lebanon

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not with the people of Lebanon, accusing the Iranian-backed terror group of dragging Lebanon into repeated conflict while using its territory to attack Israel.

In a video message posted to his official X account, Netanyahu said Hezbollah has “taken your country hostage,” does Iran’s bidding, and uses Lebanon as a launching ground for terrorist attacks against the Jewish state.

“Do you remember what Lebanon was like before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare?” Netanyahu asked. “Remember the cafés? Remember the culture? Remember the calm? All that’s gone because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war over and over and over again.”

The prime minister said Lebanese families “deserve better,” stressing that Israel will take whatever measures are necessary to protect its own citizens, communities, and borders.

Netanyahu also claimed Hezbollah has been severely weakened by Israel’s ongoing military campaign, saying Israel has eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists and is “systematically clearing out South Lebanon” of the group’s fighters and infrastructure.

“Hezbollah is weaker than ever. Israel is stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said. “No matter where they are, we’ll find them.”

The Israeli leader framed Hezbollah as the primary obstacle to peace between Israel and Lebanon, arguing that the terror group seeks war and destruction while preventing both peoples from building a more stable future.

“You also know we yearn for peace with you, with Lebanon,” Netanyahu said. “A peace where our two peoples can invest together, build together, thrive together.”

He warned Lebanese citizens not to allow their nation’s future to be dictated by “medieval theocrats” determined to destroy what he called “our common civilization.”

“Israel wants peace with you. Seize your future. Join Israel. Build safety and prosperity for all of our children,” Netanyahu said. “And once Hezbollah is dismantled, the possibilities are endless. And they are sky high.”

The message comes as Israel continues operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed group has maintained a major military presence and repeatedly launched attacks against northern Israel. Netanyahu’s appeal sought to draw a clear distinction between Hezbollah’s leadership and the Lebanese people, while presenting the dismantling of Hezbollah as a necessary step toward regional peace.

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