Lebanese Christian-majority villages reject Netanyahu's claim they sought to join 'Israel'

• Lebanese officials and Christian village leaders have rejected Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Christian communities in southern Lebanon sought annexation by 'Israel'.
• The mayor of Rmeiche said 15 Christian-majority villages publicly denied the allegation, reaffirming their commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty.

Lebanese officials have dismissed claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Christian villages in southern Lebanon sought annexation by 'Israel' for protection from Hezbollah, calling the allegation false and reaffirming their commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty.

Hanna al-Amil, mayor of the predominantly Maronite Christian border village of Rmeiche, described Netanyahu's remarks as "entirely untrue," stressing that no Christian village had made such a request.

"The idea is completely out of the question," al-Amil said, adding that 15 Christian-majority villages in southern Lebanon had already issued public statements rejecting the claim.

Villages reaffirm loyalty to Lebanon

Al-Amil said the Christian communities of southern Lebanon remain firmly attached to their homeland despite years of conflict along the border.

"The Christian villages of the south are the beating heart of Lebanon," he said, emphasizing their patriotism and commitment to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rmeiche, located near the border with 'Israel', is among several Christian communities that have publicly rejected Netanyahu's remarks.

Netanyahu made the claim during an interview with Fox News, alleging that Christian villages had sought annexation by 'Israel' for protection from Hezbollah. He did not provide evidence to support the assertion.

The comments drew swift rejection from Lebanese officials and local leaders, who said no such requests had been made.

The remarks come as 'Israel' continues military operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire and a US-backed framework agreement signed on June 26.

The fighting has caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon, including damage to churches, convents, and other religious sites. Christian leaders have repeatedly stated that their communiti