In a recent address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a direct and urgent appeal to the United Nations Secretary-General, urging the immediate withdrawal of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) troops from southern Lebanon. Netanyahu expressed grave concerns over the security of both Israeli forces and UN peacekeepers, highlighting the increasing threat posed by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant organization that has entrenched itself in the region.
“These days we mark the anniversary of the difficult war that was imposed on us,” Netanyahu stated, referencing Israel’s long-standing conflict with Hezbollah and Iran’s influence in the region. “We are more determined than ever to secure our future and defeat our enemy in Lebanon.”
Fighting Hezbollah, Not Lebanon
Netanyahu was keen to distinguish between the Lebanese population and the Hezbollah militants, emphasizing that Israel’s fight is not with the Lebanese people but with Hezbollah, which he described as a “terrorist branch of Iran.” He accused Hezbollah of using Lebanese civilians as human shields, similar to how Hamas operates in Gaza.
“We are fighting powerfully to return our people in the north safely to their homes,” Netanyahu said, referring to the ongoing efforts to protect Israeli citizens living near the Lebanese border. “We are not fighting the Lebanese people. We are fighting the terrorist branch of Iran, Hezbollah, which has taken over Lebanon.”
UNIFIL’s Role in the Conflict
Netanyahu criticized UNIFIL’s continued presence in southern Lebanon, arguing that its mission to maintain peace between Israel and Lebanon has been compromised. According to him, UNIFIL forces have become ineffective in controlling Hezbollah’s activities and, worse, are unintentionally providing cover for the terrorist organization’s operations.
“Your refusal to evacuate my soldiers turns them into Hezbollah’s riflemen. This endangers both them and the lives of our soldiers,” Netanyahu warned the UN Secretary-General, stressing the urgency of removing the peacekeepers from harm’s way. He also accused some European leaders of misdirecting their criticism at Israel instead of Hezbollah. “Instead of criticizing Israel, they should direct their criticism to Hezbollah, who uses UNIFIL as a human shield.”
The Parallel with Gaza
Netanyahu drew a parallel between Hezbollah’s tactics in Lebanon and those of Hamas in Gaza. He criticized the UN agency UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) for allegedly cooperating with Hamas, further complicating Israel’s efforts to secure its borders and protect its citizens.
“Just as Hamas in Gaza uses civilians as human shields, Hezbollah is doing the same in Lebanon. UNIFIL’s presence is only helping Hezbollah’s cause,” Netanyahu claimed.
Ongoing Military Operations
Netanyahu also took the opportunity to update the Israeli public on the military’s efforts in Gaza, where operations are ongoing to dismantle Hamas strongholds and rescue Israeli hostages. “Our brave soldiers are now in the heart of Jabaliya, where they are dismantling Hamas’s mausoleums. One hundred and one abductees in Gaza are always in our minds, and we will do everything to return them all,” Netanyahu reassured the public.
Commitment to Security in Judea and Samaria
Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s continuous fight against terrorism in Judea and Samaria, asserting that Israeli forces are working “non-stop” to eliminate threats both on land and in the air. “Terrorism there will not win because we will not let it win,” he emphasized.
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Final Message
In closing, Netanyahu expressed his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, both domestically and internationally. He also called on Israeli ministers to follow a simple wartime rule: “Talk little and do a lot.”
With God’s help, Netanyahu assured, Israel would emerge victorious. He concluded by wishing all citizens of Israel a Happy New Year and a good signing, as the nation marks the Jewish High Holidays amid ongoing conflict.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s call for the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops underscores the escalating tensions on Israel’s northern border and the growing threat from Hezbollah. As Israel continues its military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, the Prime Minister’s message is clear: Israel is committed to its security and will take any measures necessary to protect its citizens and defeat its enemies.