The mayor of Rmeish in southern Lebanon, Hanna el-Amil, denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims about Christian towns in the region. Netanyahu had claimed in an interview with the US channel Fox News that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon had requested to join Israel to be protected from Hezbollah.
El-Amil stated in a statement to the Lebanese official news agency that this report was completely baseless. He stressed that no town in the south had made any request as Netanyahu claimed.
Previously denied
The mayor stated that such an idea was absolutely out of the question, noting that 15 Christian towns had previously rejected similar claims.
Residents remained in their homes despite attacks
These areas, which are predominantly Maronite Christian, are located near Israel's northern border. Residents chose to stay in their homes despite the attacks Israel has been carrying out since March 2, 2026, arguing that there is no Hezbollah activity in their villages.
However, these towns could not escape humanitarian hardship during the attacks and even after a ceasefire was declared in April.
El-Amil said that these towns are not a party to the conflict, but the heart of Lebanon, beating with patriotism and loyalty to the land and Lebanese identity. He expressed surprise that these claims were brought up again despite a clear denial having been issued previously.
Israel's occupation and ceasefire violations continue
Despite the ceasefire agreement in effect since November 2024 and the framework agreement signed on June 26, 2026, which provides for a gradual withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory, Israel has been carrying out airstrikes, shelling, and repeated violations against Lebanon since March 2, 2026.
Israel occupies various areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war between 2023 and 2024. In the current wave of attacks, it has advanced more than 10 kilometers inland.
Israel also occupies Palestine and some territories in Syria, refusing to withdraw from them and to allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as stipulated in relevant United Nations resolutions.
