Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Tuesday that Israel's conflict is not with Lebanon but with Hezbollah and its leadership. During a visit to an intelligence base, Netanyahu addressed the people of Lebanon, emphasizing that the war is directed at Hezbollah and its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Netanyahu urged the Lebanese population to distinguish between the Israeli military's actions against Hezbollah and any hostility towards the Lebanese people. He specifically warned residents to evacuate areas where Hezbollah stores weapons, including residential buildings.
He emphasized the danger posed by Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon, stating, 'He who has a missile in his living room and a rocket in his garage will not have a home.' Netanyahu called on the Lebanese to free themselves from the influence of Hezbollah and Nasrallah for their own safety.
These statements follow similar remarks made by Netanyahu on Monday, where he clarified that Israel's conflict is solely with Hezbollah and not the Lebanese populace. He also advised the Lebanese to stay clear of areas targeted by Israeli military operations against Hezbollah.
The Israeli Prime Minister's message underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel aiming to weaken the militant group's capabilities while attempting to minimize harm to civilians in Lebanon. Netanyahu's appeals to the Lebanese people to distance themselves from Hezbollah's activities reflect Israel's strategic focus on targeting the organization rather than the broader Lebanese population.
