Netanyahu: Christian villages in Lebanon asked to be annexed by Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that residents of some Christian villages in Lebanon have asked to be annexed by Israel in order to receive protection from Hezbollah.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said some Lebanese Christian communities had sought Israeli protection against the Iran-backed armed group.

“Christian villages in Lebanon - some of them have actually asked to be annexed to Israel. Because we protect them against the Hezbollah fanatics, who want to kill them,” he said, stating that Israel “protects” Christians all over the Middle East.

Netanyahu also claimed that requests for protection were not limited to Christian communities.

“It's the Jews, it’s Muslims, Sunni Muslims—and quite a few of the Shiite Muslims too. They would like to free Lebanon. I hope we can get more peace deals,” the Israeli prime minister noted.

According to Netanyahu, many people in Lebanon want to free the country from the influence of Hezbollah.

By Sabina Mammadli