In a recent video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a direct appeal to the people of Lebanon, urging them to rise against the Iran-backed Hezbollah. He cautioned that failing to do so could result in devastation similar to the tragedies unfolding in Gaza. “Christians, Druze, Muslims—both Sunni and Shia—all of you are suffering because of Hezbollah’s futile war against Israel,” he declared forcefully. “Stand up and take your country back.”
Yet, this message appeared to have little resonance on the streets of Beirut. In various neighborhoods—whether Shia, Sunni, or Christian—many locals seemed indifferent or even dismissive of Netanyahu’s call.
Yusuf Habbal, a 31-year-old shop owner in the Sunni district of Tariq El Jdideh, voiced doubts about the impact of Netanyahu’s statements. “Sure, we heard what he had to say, but nobody here listens to Netanyahu,” he said, as he prepared traditional Lebanese sweets called Kunafah. He added firmly, “No one told Netanyahu to occupy Palestine, nor to occupy Lebanon. It’s the Israelis who are fueling this conflict.”