Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the country’s forces had successfully targeted and eliminated potential successors to late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
In a video message released on Tuesday (local time), Netanyahu stated, “We have reduced Hezbollah’s capabilities. We killed thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah and his replacement, as well as the replacement’s replacement.”
Netanyahu urged Lebanon’s people “to reclaim their country from the grip” of Hezbollah. “Lebanon was once known for its tolerance and its beauty. “Today, it is a place of chaos and war,” he said.
Netanyahu blamed Lebanon’s downfall on “a gang of tyrants and terrorists,” emphasizing Iran’s support for Hezbollah.
“Iran funds and arms Hezbollah to serve Iranian interests at Lebanon’s expense. Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into an ammunition and weapon storage facility, as well as a forward Iranian military base. One day after the October 7 massacre a year ago, Hezbollah joined the war against Israel. It launched an unprovoked attack against our cities and citizens. It has since launched more than 8,000 missiles at Israel, killing civilians of all faiths, including Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze.”
“Israel has decided to bring an end to this. We have decided to take whatever steps are necessary to safely return our people to their homes. Israel has the right to defend itself. Israel also has a right to victory. And Israel will win,” he concluded.
Furthermore, the Israeli Prime Minister stated that the Lebanese people are at a critical crossroads. “Today, Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in many years. Now, you, the Lebanese, are at a critical juncture. It is your decision. You can now reclaim your country. You can set it back on the path of peace and prosperity. If you don’t, Hezbollah will continue to attack Israel from densely populated areas, at your expense. It doesn’t matter if Lebanon is dragged into a larger conflict,” he insisted.
Netanyahu questioned the value of the ongoing conflict, asking Lebanese parents, “Is it worth it?” He emphasised the possibility of a better future, restoring Lebanon to its former tranquility.
“You deserve a Lebanon that is unique. One country, one flag, and one population. Don’t let these terrorists ruin your future any more than they have already. “Stand up and take your country back,” Netanyahu declared.
He ended by urging the Lebanese people to seize the opportunity “to secure their children’s future and to free their country” from Hezbollah control.
Last year, on October 7, Hamas launched a massive terror attack against Israel, killing over 1200 people and holding over 250 hostages, of whom approximately 100 remain in captivity.
In response, Israel launched a powerful counter-offensive against Hamas units in the Gaza Strip. However, the growing number of civilian casualties has raised concerns about the region’s humanitarian situation. The Gaza health ministry reports that more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
