Netanyahu tells Lebanese: We fight Hezbollah, not you VIDEO

On June 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed directly to the Lebanese people, saying Israel was not at war with Lebanon but with Hezbollah, which he accused of serving Iran's interests and holding the country hostage.

In a video message, Netanyahu said Hezbollah had dragged Lebanon into repeated conflicts with Israel and deprived the country of the stability and prosperity it once enjoyed, Caliber.Az reports.

“Israel is not at war with you. We're at war with Hezbollah,” Netanyahu said, accusing the Iran-backed group of using Lebanese territory to launch attacks against Israel.

The Israeli leader said Hezbollah was weaker than ever and claimed Israeli forces had killed nearly 10,000 Hezbollah fighters since hostilities escalated. He added that Israel was continuing military operations in southern Lebanon to eliminate the group's presence.

رسالتي إلى الشعب اللبناني pic.twitter.com/I2aU7MYV6P

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 10, 2026

Netanyahu contrasted Lebanon's past reputation for culture, tourism and relative stability with its current challenges, which he blamed on Hezbollah and Iran.

Addressing Lebanese citizens directly, he said they deserved a better future and urged them not to allow what he described as extremist forces to determine the country's course.

Netanyahu also reiterated Israel's desire for peace with Lebanon, saying the two countries could cooperate economically and build a more prosperous future if Hezbollah were dismantled.

“The only obstacle to this beautiful vision is Hezbollah,” he said, adding that Israel wanted peace and security for both peoples.

By Aghakazim Guliyev