Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that some Christian villages in Lebanon have requested to be annexed to Israel, in order to receive protection from Hezbollah.

In an interview with Fox News, referring to Israel’s stance toward Christians in the Middle East, Netanyahu claimed that “Christian villages in Lebanon have asked to be annexed to Israel because we protect them from Hezbollah fanatics who want to kill them — and we do the same for Christians everywhere.”

The Israeli prime minister did not specify which Christian villages he was referring to, nor whether these requests were made privately or publicly.

Later in the interview, Netanyahu argued that the recent Israel–Lebanon agreement, brokered by Washington, shows that he and U.S. President Donald Trump “have more cards to play” when it comes to strengthening and expanding Israel’s relations in the region. He also added that Lebanon “would like to rid itself of Hezbollah.”

Without, however, providing specific details, Netanyahu argued: “It is not only Lebanon’s Christians who have sought our protection. It is also the Druze, the Muslims, the Sunnis, and quite a few of the Shiites as well… who would like to liberate Lebanon. I hope we’ll be able to conclude more peace agreements.”

Although it is not an official peace agreement, the framework between Israel and Lebanon formalized both countries’ intention to eventually normalize their relations, following the disarmament of Hezbollah and Israel’s complete withdrawal from its security zone in southern Lebanon.

Source: skai.gr