"Some Christian villages in Lebanon have offered to annex to Israel because we protect them from Hezbollah, which wants to kill them. This is how we protect Christians everywhere," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a program aired on Fox News on 5/7, though he did not name specific villages.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) quoted Hanna al-Amil, head of the Christian village of Rmeish, who denied Netanyahu's statement. "That idea is completely unacceptable," Amil said. "15 Christian towns two days ago issued a statement rejecting this information."

An Israeli tank near the border with Lebanon on 1/7. Photo: AFP

In a statement on 3/7, representatives of Christian villages in Lebanon reaffirmed their determination to remain in their homeland, emphasizing "loyalty to their national identity and allegiance to the Lebanese flag."

After the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted, some Christian villages in southern Lebanon came under attack, suffered damage, and many were displaced. However, most residents remained to protect their homes, churches, and agricultural areas, despite evacuation notices from Israel.

The Israeli military repeatedly contacted village heads and local officials, urging these villages not to allow outsiders in, referring to Hezbollah members.

The "golden line" unilaterally established by Israel in southern Lebanon. Graphic: Telegraph

In his speech on 5/7, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that the Israeli military would maintain its presence in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to "protect residents in northern Israel and all our citizens."

Israeli army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visited soldiers stationed near Beaufort fortress on the same day and stated that his forces "would continue to act decisively to eliminate threats in Lebanese territory."

Clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah have continued in recent days, despite the signing of a framework agreement with the United States and Lebanon in Washington on 26/6. This agreement was expected to pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict, enabling residents to return home.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)