Netanyahu Says Lebanese Christian Villages Sought Israeli Protection

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a July 5 U.S. television interview that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon had asked to be annexed to Israel because Israel protects them from Hezbollah terrorists. He did not name the villages or say when the requests were made, and separate reporting said Jerusalem has told Christian leaders annexation is not on the table because Israel has no territorial ambition in Lebanon. Netanyahu framed Israel's presence as protection for Christians and other Lebanese who want freedom from Hezbollah. The statement strengthens Israel's case that the Lebanon framework must dismantle Iran's proxy while safeguarding friendly border communities.