'Thanks, but no thanks,' Lebanon responds to #TelAvivLovesBeirut
Israelis start an ironic hashtag #TelAvivlovesBeirut, in attempt to show themselves as a nation of tolerance, only to send the Lebanese twitterati into a frenzy of sarcastic responses.
Israel killed more than 1,200 Lebanese civilians, displaced over one million during 2006 war [AFP]
Last week, America's Forbes magazine
listed Beirut and Tel Aviv as the top "trending international destinations" in the Middle East for winter holidays.
One Twitter user from Israel took to the social media platform to share the list, tagging independent Lebanese travel company Beirut.com along with the official Twitter account for Tel Aviv.
Naturally, the Lebanese company responded by requesting not to be associated with the post promoting Israeli tourism, explaining, "We are not the representatives of the city of Beirut".
Beirut.com's response circulated on the social media site, prompting some Israelis to start an ironic hashtag #TelAvivlovesBeirut, in attempt to show themselves as a nation of tolerance.
The self-congratulating hashtag soon gained traction on the social media site, sending the Lebanese twitterati into a frenzy of sarcastic responses.
Lebanon remains in at state of war with Israel following a month-long conflict in 2006, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese civilians, displaced more than one million, and devastated infrastructure in the country.
It is no surprise why many Lebanese were somewhat confused by the hashtag.
Actions speak louder than words
We're not having it
Let's get something straight
So thanks, but no thanks