Full Breakdown
Israeli Leaders Appeal Directly to Lebanese Citizens Amid Ongoing Conflict with Hezbollah
6/11/2026, 8:50:22 PM
Israel’s Direct Appeal to Lebanese Citizens
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a pre-recorded video on 10 June urging Lebanese people to distinguish Israel’s war with Hezbollah from any hostility toward Lebanon itself. He asserted that Hezbollah “has taken your country hostage, does Iran’s bidding and uses your territory to launch terrorist attacks against Israel,” and claimed that Israeli forces have killed “nearly 10,000 Hezbollah terrorists.” Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s desire for a future of joint economic investment, describing Hezbollah as “the only obstacle to a beautiful vision of peace.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s Call for Negotiations
In a CNN interview, President Joseph Aoun appealed to Israel for talks, stating that “a military solution will never provide you with security and safety.” He announced Lebanon’s willingness to negotiate a non-aggression pact, citing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative as a framework, but ruled out meeting Netanyahu until such an agreement is reached. Aoun described the Lebanese populace as “fed up” and demanded an end to repeated destruction of homes. He also accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its talks with the United States.
Recent Hostilities and Casualties
The conflict reignited on 2 March when Hezbollah fired on Israel in retaliation for the 28 February U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran’s supreme leader. Since then, Israel reports approximately 3,500 strikes on Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah continues cross-border attacks. Lebanon’s health ministry recorded seven civilian deaths in Israeli strikes on 10 June, including five in Tyre. Israeli sources claim the war has caused more than 3,600 deaths overall.
Political Context and Mediation Efforts
Washington has mediated indirect talks between the two governments, with former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urging an “immediate ceasefire” and offering to facilitate a broader regional settlement. Israeli officials confirmed contact with Trump, with Netanyahu stating, “Together, we will bring safety to the North.”
Official Statements from Israeli Leaders
Netanyahu’s video reiterated Israel’s “full right to defend itself” and warned that any Iranian escalation would be met with force. President Isaac Herzog, speaking in Arabic and English, extended “a hand of peace” while insisting Lebanon must be free from Iranian and Hezbollah influence. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any attack on Israel’s north “will result in an attack on Dahiyeh,” and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed striking 20-30 buildings in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district for each Iranian missile launched.
Lebanese Government Response and Opposition
President Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s readiness to pursue peace, rejecting Hezbollah’s demands for Israeli withdrawal beyond the Litani River. He highlighted the need for a “just and lasting peace” and criticized Iran’s use of Lebanese territory for regional leverage.
On-the-Ground Impact
Medical centers in the north—Sourasky Ichilov, Galilee, and Tzafon—have shifted operations underground under emergency protocols. The Israeli Air Force continues strikes from a bunker, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed retaliation against Israeli air bases.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Casualty figures vary: Israeli statements cite “nearly 10,000” Hezbollah fighters killed, while independent verification is absent. Lebanese sources report 7 civilian deaths on 10 June, contrasting with broader estimates of 3,600 overall fatalities. The precise status of the ceasefire mechanism remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Israel is not at war with you. We're at war with Hezbollah, that has taken your country hostage, that does Iran's bidding, that uses your territory to launch terrorist attacks against Israel.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- “But Lebanon must remain free from the influence of Iran, Hezbollah, and the terror organizations as an independent and sovereign nation.” — Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
- “deserve to live in peace and in dignity. They deserve not seeing their homes being destroyed every five to 10 years.” — Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon
- “We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let’s sit and talk,” — Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon
- “This operation was carried out in response to the child-killing Zionist regime’s missile aggression against several radar sites in three parts of the country.” — IRGC spokesperson
Prospects for a Ceasefire
Washington-mediated talks continue, with Aoun insisting on a non-aggression pact before direct meetings with Netanyahu. Israeli officials signal willingness to maintain pressure on Hezbollah while keeping diplomatic channels open. The next steps hinge on Hezbollah’s compliance with ceasefire demands and the ability of both sides to agree on security guarantees.
