• Netanyahu claims some Christian villages in Lebanon sought annexation to Israel for protection from Hezbollah.
• The mayor of Rmeish denies these claims, emphasizing loyalty to Lebanon.
• Israeli military remains active in southern Lebanon amid ongoing tensions and airstrikes.
• Netanyahu's assertions come amid international condemnation for Israeli actions in Lebanon.
• Relations with the US are strained as Trump critiques Netanyahu's handling of the situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently claimed that certain Christian villages in southern Lebanon have requested to be annexed by Israel, stating, “we protect them against Hezbollah fanatics who want to kill them.” His statements were made during an interview with Fox News as Israel continues its military operations in the region following escalated tensions due to Hezbollah rocket fire in retaliation for a US-Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader, according to Middle East Eye, Le Monde, and South China Morning Post.

Notably, Hanna al-Amil, the mayor of Rmeish, has publicly refuted Netanyahu’s assertion, stating it is “absolutely out of the question” for these villages to consider annexation. Furthermore, al-Amil revealed that a coalition of 15 Christian towns recently issued a statement affirming their commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and loyalty to their national identity, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Since the inception of hostilities, various Christian communities in southern Lebanon have suffered from Israeli bombardment, with many residents opting to stay despite evacuation orders, prioritizing the protection of their homes and agricultural land. The Israeli military has issued warnings to these communities against allowing "strangers" in, referring specifically to Hezbollah fighters, according to statements from local officials and reports by Middle East Eye and Le Monde.

In a separate address, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon, stating that it will continue "as long as necessary" to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens amidst ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. This assertion comes despite a recent US-brokered deal to reduce hostilities, highlighting the continued military engagement in the area, as reported by South China Morning Post and Le Monde.

Amid these tensions, relationships with international allies, particularly the United States, appear strained, with Trump critiquing Netanyahu’s approach to the ongoing conflict and negotiations surrounding the Iran deal. Netanyahu, however, insisted that their relationship remains strong despite occasional disagreements, which he characterized as typical among allies, according to Middle East Eye, Le Monde, and South China Morning Post.