Herzog Tells Lebanon: 'Expel Hezbollah and Iran - Don't Be Afraid'
Herzog visits Israel's northern border, calls on Lebanon in Arabic to expel Hezbollah and Iran: "Don't be afraid - it's entirely up to you."
President Isaac Herzog visited the northern border community of Moshav Netu'a on Wednesday, meeting with farmers, ranchers, tourists, and local business owners, and delivering a direct message in Arabic to Lebanon's government calling on it to break free from Hezbollah and Iranian influence.
"I am here, on the Lebanese border, at Moshav Netu'a," Herzog said. "This area is under constant attack and is showing extraordinary resilience. The people here are remarkable and they deserve Israel to give them the highest national priority, to enable full and complete lives, while we fight and sustain an entire campaign connected to the whole region."
Herzog warned that Iran is attempting to draw the northern border region into its broader campaign. "The Iranians are trying to turn this area into part of their system within the conflict, and we will not allow it. We must not allow them to harm the residents of the north, who must receive top priority in every field, especially in industry, employment, tourism, and agriculture."
The president then addressed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun directly. "I saw your message on CNN and I want to make an offer - there is no greater dream than Israelis being able to get in a car and drive to Beirut. It is entirely up to you. Denounce Hezbollah from within your ranks, expel Iran and its proxies. Don't be afraid, say it and do it. Israel is not seeking war and wants peace with Lebanon. It is up to you."
Herzog closed with a message in Arabic to Lebanon's government and people: "I extend my hand in peace to the president of Lebanon and the Lebanese people, but your obligation is to ensure Lebanon's freedom from the dictates of Hezbollah, Iran, and terrorist organizations, so that Lebanon preserves its standing as a sovereign and independent state."