Netanyahu Addressing the Lebanese: We are at war with Hezbollah, not with you

Translation by SadaNews - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Lebanese people on Wednesday evening, speaking in English.

Netanyahu stated in his speech, as translated by SadaNews, "Israel is not at war with you.. we are at war against Hezbollah, which has taken your country hostage, which executes Iran's orders, and uses your territory to launch 'terrorist' attacks against Israel."

He added: "Do you remember Lebanon before Iran and Hezbollah turned it into a nightmare? Do you remember the cafes? The culture? Do you remember the tranquility? All of this is gone, because Hezbollah and Iran want to drag us into war time and again.. You deserve better.. Your children deserve better.. You know that Israel will do whatever it takes to protect our families and communities."

He continued: "Hezbollah is weaker than ever.. Israel is stronger than ever.. We have eliminated nearly 10,000 Hezbollah militants so far, and we are systematically clearing southern Lebanon of these extremists.. It doesn't matter where they are, we will find them."

He went on: "You also know that we yearn for peace with you, with Lebanon.. A peace that allows our two peoples to invest together, to build together, and to prosper together.. The only obstacle to this beautiful vision is Hezbollah.. They want war, not peace.. They want death, not life.. They will sacrifice as many of you as possible to achieve their dirty goals."

He added: "Do not let your future be determined by medieval theocrats bent on destroying our shared civilization.. Israel wants peace with you.. Take your future into your own hands and join Israel.. Build security and prosperity for all our children.. And when Hezbollah is dismantled, the opportunities will be limitless."