Netanyahu's Plea to Lebanese: Reject Hezbollah in Beirut
- Netanyahu's appeal to the Lebanese people came amid rising tensions and rocket attacks from Hezbollah into northern Israel.
- Residents of Beirut expressed skepticism about Netanyahu's influence, emphasizing their desire for peace and the complexity of local dynamics.
- Despite the call for opposition to Hezbollah, support for the group remains strong among many Lebanese, who view it as a defender against external threats.
In Beirut, Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a direct appeal to the Lebanese people, urging them to oppose Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, to avoid destruction similar to that experienced in Gaza. This appeal came in the context of escalating tensions, as Hezbollah had been launching rockets into northern Israel in support of Hamas following the October 7 attack. Many Lebanese residents expressed skepticism towards Netanyahu's message, emphasizing that they do not want war and feel that his words will not sway public opinion against Hezbollah. Some acknowledged the need to reduce Iranian influence in Lebanon but criticized Netanyahu for not addressing the complexities of the situation. Support for Hezbollah remains strong in areas where it holds political and social power, with many residents viewing it as the only force capable of defending Lebanon against external threats. The overall sentiment in Beirut reflects a deep-seated mistrust of Israeli intentions and a belief that local dynamics cannot be influenced by external leaders' appeals.