Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Sunday that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon had requested annexation by Israel, saying they sought protection from Hezbollah. Speaking on Fox News, Netanyahu offered no names or evidence to support the assertion, and local leaders swiftly rejected it — the mayor of Rmeish and representatives of 15 villages in the Marjeyoun area (a predominantly Christian district near Israel's northern border) issued statements affirming their "loyalty to their national identity" and attachment to the Lebanese flag. The denial is significant given that many of these communities have endured Israeli airstrikes, shelling, and displacement since Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon following Hezbollah rocket attacks, with Israeli forces still occupying parts of the border region despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.