Netanyahu urges Lebanese civilians to evacuate: ‘Israel’s war is not with you’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells the Lebanese people to take Israel’s warning seriously and says they will be able to return home after the fighting is over.

“Israel’s war is not with you,” he says in a video statement. “It’s with Hezbollah.”

“For too long, Hezbollah has been using you as human shields,” says Netanyahu. “It placed rockets in your living rooms and missiles in your garage. Those rockets and missiles are aimed directly at our cities, directly at our citizens.”

“To defend our people against Hezbollah strikes, we must take out these weapons,” he says.

“Starting this morning, the IDF has warned you to get out of harm’s way,” continues the premier as Israel carries out intensive airstrikes across southern Lebanon.

“I urge you – take this warning seriously. Don’t let Hezbollah endanger your lives and the lives of your loved ones. Don’t let Hezbollah endanger Lebanon.”

“Please, get out of harm’s way now,” Netanyahu urges. “Once our operation is finished, you can come back safely to your homes.”