Netanyahu Says Some Southern Lebanon Christian Villages Sought Annexation by Israel; Lebanon Denies Claim

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said some Christian villages in southern Lebanon had asked to be annexed by Israel for protection from Hezbollah, comments that were strongly denied and condemned by Lebanese officials, Christian community leaders and the villages involved. In a Fox News interview on July 5, Netanyahu did not name the villages and said Israel protects Christians from Hezbollah attacks; he also said the Israeli military would continue to station troops in southern Lebanon to protect residents in northern Israel and all Israeli citizens. Up to 15 Christian villages in southern Lebanon rejected Netanyahu’s statement, with the mayor of Rmeish, Amir, saying such a move was “completely impossible,” and reaffirming loyalty to Lebanon. Separately, Netanyahu’s office said on July 4 that he and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to meet at the White House soon, and Trump said the meeting could take place as early as this week.