LATEST NEWS - Israel/Lebanon (Graphic Images) [Archive] - Page 3

DeltaWhisky58

07-26-2006, 04:04 PM

Day-by-day: Lebanon crisis - week two

A day-by-day look at how the conflict involving Israel and Lebanon is unfolding in its second week.

Day-by-day: Week one (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5179434.stm)

TUESDAY 25 JULY

Israel's Defence Minister Amir Peretz says Israel will keep control over an area in southern Lebanon until a force of international peacekeepers is deployed.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41928000/jpg/_41928544_airstrike_tyreafp203.jpg
Israeli air strikes on Tyre in southern Lebanon continue

The idea of the multinational force will be high on the agenda of an international ministerial meeting on the crisis in Rome on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has completed her diplomatic tour of the region, meeting separately with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli PM Ehud Olmert.

Mr Abbas calls for an immediate truce but Mr Olmert says there will be no let-up in army operations.
Ms Rice calls for peace across the region and expresses concern for the suffering of "innocent people".
UN observers say Israel has taken the town of Bint Jbeil, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah guerrillas continue to fire Katyusha rockets.
Israel resumes air raids on Beirut.

New force for peace? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5213092.stm)
UN criticises Israel force (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5213174.stm)
The travails of escaping Lebanon (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5211856.stm)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifDiplomatic tour of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

MONDAY 24 JULY

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives in the Middle East, making a surprise stop in Beirut for talks with Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41926000/jpg/_41926180_crash.jpg
An Israeli helicopter crash killed two pilots

Ms Rice reportedly makes the release of the two Israeli soldiers and the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the border the pre-conditions for any ceasefire. She later moves on to Israel.

The UN launches an appeal for $150m (£81m) in aid and the US pledges a $30m aid package to begin on Tuesday.

UK PM Tony Blair says the situation in Lebanon is "a catastrophe", while UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says international ministerial talks in Rome on Wednesday must not fail.
Meanwhile, there is fierce fighting in southern Lebanon around Bint Jbeil.
An Israeli helicopter crashes in northern Israel, with two pilots killed. Hezbollah claims it shot the helicopter down; Israel disputes this. Air strikes continue on both sides.

Lebanese open homes for refugees (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5211244.stm)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifDesperate Lebanese try to leave Tyre (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

SUNDAY 23 JULY

Israeli strikes hit southern Beirut, the Bekaa valley, Tyre, and - for the first time - Sidon, a southern port city full of refugees from the surrounding countryside. There are no confirmed reports on the number of Lebanese casualties.
A volley of Hezbollah rockets hits the northern Israeli city of Haifa, killing two people and injuring 15.
The UN's emergency relief co-ordinator, Jan Egeland, is shocked by the ruins he finds as he tours southern districts of Beirut. He says the large scale of the destruction, and its indiscriminate nature, renders it a violation of humanitarian law.
Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz says Israel would agree to the proposed deployment of a multi-national force in southern Lebanon and suggested it should be led by Nato.
Envoys from France and Britain also hold talks in Israel to look for ways to resolve the crisis. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is expected in the region.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifThe aftermath of bombing in a Beirut suburb (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

SATURDAY 22 JULY

The Israeli army continues ground incursions into southern Lebanon. It says it has gained control of the village of Maroun al-Ras after several days of fighting and warns civilians in 14 specific villages to leave.
Troops continue to line up along Israel's northern border, but Israel says it is not planning a full-scale ground invasion.
Humanitarian concerns mount as thousands of Lebanese try to flee southern Lebanon. The UN pushes for secure routes for civilians to escape and much-needed aid to be delivered.
Israel targets Lebanese phone and television masts in air strikes, while Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets into Israel.
The death toll rises to at least 350 Lebanese and 34 Israelis.
Perilous escape for south Lebanese (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5206446.stm)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifCivilians flee southern Lebanon (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

FRIDAY 21 JULY

Israel masses soldiers and tanks on the Lebanese border, called up thousands of reserves, drops leaflets on parts of southern Lebanon urging residents to leave.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41915000/jpg/_41915052_days.jpg
Israel has warned of a possible ground offensive

It maintains its bombardment of the country, hitting more than 40 targets, mainly in southern Beirut.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora says the offensive is now no longer against Hezbollah, but against Lebanon.
The evacuation of foreign nationals continues, with thousands more expected to arrive in Cyprus.

No refuge from bombs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5201622.stm)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifBritons evacuated onboard HMS Bulwark (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

THURSDAY 20 JULY

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan calls for a ceasefire and stresses the need to let aid into the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agrees to allow aid into Lebanon.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41915000/jpg/_41915028_wall.jpg
Many Lebanese fear their country is being utterly devastated

Heavy fighting erupts between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants inside Lebanon's border. Two Israeli soldiers and a number of Hezbollah fighters are killed, according to the Israeli army.
Israel continues its bombing of Lebanon, carrying out 80 air strikes.

Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah appears on television, saying Israel has not dented its capabilities.
The Israeli army says that Hezbollah has fired 30 rockets into northern Israel during the day, but they do not cause any casualties.
The death toll reaches at least 306 people in Lebanon and 31 in Israel.
Evacuations continue, with many nations sending both military ships and chartered vessels to remove their citizens from danger.
Forty US marines come ashore to help around 1,000 US citizens in Lebanon - the first presence of US troops in the country since Hezbollah militants blew up a marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, killing 241 personnel.
But Cyprus, which is taking many of the evacuees, says it cannot cope with the influx and appeals to the European Commission for additional planes to fly people to their home countries.

Stranded in the war zone (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5196076.stm)
Divided loyalties of Lebanon (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5200628.stm)
Q&A: Mid-East war crimes? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5198342.stm)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifAnnan calls for ceasefire (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

WEDNESDAY 19 JULY

As Israeli forces bomb Lebanon for an eighth day, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora appeals for an immediate end to the Israeli attacks on his country, saying more than 300 people had been killed by the Israeli air raids so far, with 1,000 wounded and 500,000 displaced.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes hit Hezbollah positions in Beirut, as well as targets in southern and eastern parts of the country.
The military says its aircraft dropped 23 tonnes of explosives in an evening raid on a bunker in south Beirut where senior Hezbollah leaders, possibly including Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, were hiding.
But Hezbollah denies any of its "leaders or personnel" were killed and says the Israeli raid hit a mosque under construction rather than a bunker.
More than 60 civilians are killed in raids - 12 in the southern village of Srifa, near Tyre, six in the southern town of Nabatiyeh, and many more elsewhere in the south as well as Baalbek in the east.
Israeli troops cross into southern Lebanon to carry out what the army called "restricted pinpoint attacks". Two Israeli soldiers die in clashes with Hezbollah fighters inside Lebanon.
Rockets fired from Lebanon strike the northern Israeli city of Haifa, and kill two children in the Israeli Arab city of Nazareth. They are the first Arab Israelis to die in the rocket attacks.
Thousands of people continue to flee Lebanon. A British warship arrives in Cyprus, carrying the first 180 UK citizens. A Norwegian ferry takes hundreds of Norwegians, Swedes and Americans to Cyprus, while a US-chartered ship docks in Beirut to evacuate US and Australian citizens.

After meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, the EU's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, says he has seen the suffering of Lebanese civilians and it is nothing to do with the battle against Hezbollah - it was "disproportionate".
But Ms Livni says the Israeli military response is proportionate to the threat posed by Hezbollah to the entire region.

Fleeing in the line of fire (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5195518.stm)
Tolerant Haifa tested (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5193306.stm)
UK evacuation plan (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5190816.stm)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifDevastation in Tyre (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5194156.stm)

Futile Talisman

07-26-2006, 04:12 PM

It is good to see this thread still open, credit to the mods who have worked so hard to see that we can get updates and hear opinions on the current crisis and balancing that with the need to keep within the forum rules so things do not get out of control here.

Here is a story from today's Boston Globe.

Soldier mourned in his adopted land

Ukraine émigré dies carrying Israeli comrade

By Matthew Kalman, Globe Correspondent | July 26, 2006
KIBBUTZ LAHAV, Israel -- Sergei Volsiuk came to Israel from his native Ukraine at age 16 in search of a better life, and he died a hero's death.

Volsiuk, 21, was killed by a Hezbollah rocket-propelled grenade in southern Lebanon on Thursday as he carried a wounded comrade from the battlefield under heavy fire. He was laid to rest in a rough wooden casket with full military honors yesterday at his adopted home, the serene Kibbutz Lahav on the edge of the Negev desert.

Volsiuk, one of two dozen Israeli soldiers killed in the two-week-old conflict, was mourned yesterday by family, friends, and comrades in arms, soldiers from the elite Egoz commando unit. He was killed as Israeli forces fought a decisive battle for control of Maroun al-Ras, a village in southern Lebanon known as a center for Hezbollah guerrilla activity.
By the graveside, weeping quietly, were the soldier's two mothers -- one from his native country and his adopted kibbutz mother.

His Ukrainian mother, Yulia, flew in with his father, Vasily, and younger brother, Losha, from their home in Simferopol, Ukraine. As a military honor guard fired three shots over the grave, Yulia said during the service that she understood why he had adopted the name Jonathan. It means "God's gift" and was the name of King Saul's son, who also fell in battle.

You were indeed a gift from God," said Yulia, who said she never considered flying his body back to Ukraine. ``He was an Israeli citizen and he fulfilled his duty here, so he should be buried here. He loved the country very much." Sharing Yulia's tears was Dalit Gal, who took in Volsiuk as a newly arrived teenager at the kibbutz and groomed him for life in his new country.

"For six years, you were a son to me and a brother to my daughter," Dalit said at the graveside. ``You carried her on your shoulders around the kibbutz. I never saw you angry or in a bad mood. You will always be with us."

Overcome with emotion, fellow commando Rotem Cohen told the crowd of several hundred crammed into the tiny kibbutz cemetery of Volsiuk's expertise in map-reading and of his selfless commitment to helping others.
You sat up late, poring over maps and trails so you could lead us safely through dangerous terrain," Cohen said. "We first saw you at the training base, carrying a stretcher. And that was also our last sight of you, carrying a wounded comrade from the heat of battle, then running back into the fray without any thoughts for yourself."

"You were killed as you lived, worrying about us, your friends, more than you worried about yourself. You will always be a part of us," he said.
Volsiuk had been scheduled to leave the army in November and planned to set up house with his girlfriend. He dreamed of becoming a dentist. He arrived in Israel in the summer of 2000 with Na'aleh, an organization that looks after young immigrants arriving without their families.
Sergei Fishman, a fellow immigrant and friend from Na'aleh, described Volsiuk as " an example to us all."

"You were full of love for all around you," Fishman said. ``You lived every moment of your life to the fullest. Your afterworld is in our hearts. We thank your family for giving us such a dear friend."
© Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/

Zoomie

07-26-2006, 04:25 PM

Here's something interesting from a UNIFIL Press Release (http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/pr010.pdf) that came out today:

Another UN position of the Ghanaian battalion in the area of Marwahin in the western sector was also directly hit by one mortar round from the Hezbollah side last night. The round did not explode, and there were no casualties or material damage. Another 5 incidents of firing close to UN positions from the Israeli side were reported yesterday. It was also reported that Hezbollah fired from the vicinity of four UN positions at Alma ash Shab, Tibnin, Bra****, and At Tiri. All UNIFIL positions remain occupied and maintained by the troops. So where's Kofi's outrage on this?

And here's an interesting photo you won't see anytime soon:
http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/upload/2006/07/flags.jpg
The UN and Hezbollah gettin' cozy and sharing facilities.

Lessons Learned
A cease-fire in Lebanon is a terrible idea.

BY JED BABBIN
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 12:01 a.m. EDT

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and British Prime Minister Tony Blair want to send an international force to separate Israel from Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. Mr. Blair said a U.N. force should be sent to "stop the bombardment coming over into Israel and therefore [give] Israel a reason to stop its attacks on Hezbollah." Mr. Annan said such a force could "pursue the idea of stabilization." But their idea assumes, first, that a cease-fire would protect those worthy of protection and, second, that restoring the region's antebellum "stability" would promote long-term peace. Both assumptions are utterly false.
Hezbollah is not some small, ragged band scattered around Lebanon. It is a huge terrorist structure, built over decades, that includes thousands of men, weapons, positions, offices and everything that enables it to control southern Lebanon. Israel is now destroying that infrastructure. A cease-fire would benefit Hezbollah and threaten Israel. It would protect both Hezbollah and the nations that support it--Syria and Iran--as well as the Lebanese who have accepted the terrorist organization as a legitimate part of their government. A cease-fire would allow Hezbollah to rebuild its power base and enable it to resume its attacks whenever Damascus and Tehran desired. For Israel, a U.N. force would create no security whatever against future attacks.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/images/storyend_dingbat.gif

The U.N.'s years-long record on the Israel-Lebanon border makes mockery of the term "peacekeeping." On page 155 of my book, "Inside the Asylum," is a picture of a U.N. outpost on that border. The U.N. flag and the Hezbollah flag fly side by side. Observers told me the U.N. and Hezbollah personnel share water and telephones, and that the U.N. presence serves as a shield against Israeli strikes against the terrorists. The Israeli response to the attack by Lebanon-based Hezbollah terrorists was much more violent and effective than Hezbollah, Iran or Syria expected. The Olmert government failed to make any significant response to previous raids from Gaza and Lebanon, which encouraged both terrorist regimes. The Syrian and Iranian regimes practice brinksmanship as their foreign policy. They attack as often as they can in as aggressive a manner as they believe will not trigger a decisive response. Iran wanted to distract the G-8 summit from agreeing to do anything about its nuclear weapons program, so it apparently told its Hezbollah surrogates in Lebanon that the time was ripe to begin a major offensive.
The Hezbollah attacks began about two weeks after Israel suffered the usual international condemnations for its response to the Gaza-based Hamas kidnapping of an Israeli soldier. Even after the Gaza incursion, Iran and Syria--emboldened by international condemnation of Israel's "disproportionate" response--were convinced that Israel would do no more than make token raids into Lebanon. For the first time, Israel has acted in accordance with what used to be President Bush's theory: that a government that contains, supports or harbors terrorists is responsible for their actions. Israel is now demonstrating that there is a price to be exacted from nations who collaborate with terrorists. The reason Israel must not agree to a cease-fire now, and why a U.N. force must be rejected is the fact that the Arab nations may be starting to open their eyes.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/images/storyend_dingbat.gif
An emergency Cairo meeting of the 18 Arab League nations' foreign ministers last weekend produced the most significant event in the region since Saddam Hussein fell from power. These meetings are routine, held in crises or for political posturing and on every occasion before last weekend have resulted in condemnation of Israel and the United States. This meeting began with the Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh proposing a resolution condemning Israel's military action and supporting Lebanon's "right to resist occupation by all legitimate means" (which even the Associated Press report characterized as "language frequently used by Hezbollah to justify its guerillas' presence in south Lebanon"). The Lebanese draft also called on Israel to release all Lebanese prisoners and supported Lebanon's right to "liberate them by all legitimate means." The "Lebanese prisoners" are virtually all Hezbollah members and "legitimate means" translates to terrorism. The Syrian foreign minister, Walid Moallem, strongly supported Lebanon and Hezbollah. But a historic obstacle was raised that blocked the Lebanese endorsement of terrorism.
The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, led a triumvirate including Egypt and Jordan that, according to the AP report, was "criticizing the guerilla group's actions, calling them 'unexpected, inappropriate and irresponsible acts.' " Prince Faisal said, "These acts will pull the whole region back to years ago, and we simply cannot accept them." These are the rumblings that precede a political earthquake. The Arab leaders are afraid that the acts of the terrorists they have coddled for decades might have consequences for them. And they are very frightened of what Iran may do next. We must reinforce those fears because they provide the first big lever with which those nations can be moved.

Read the Rest (http://www.opinionjournal.com/federation/feature/?id=110008672)

saigonsmuggler

07-26-2006, 04:37 PM

Israel's New Battle Plan: Grinding It Out
The siege of Bint Jebel shows how Israel has learned that, despite its overwhelming technological superiority, it has to fight Hizballah on its own terms — in prolonged and messy ground battles
By TIM MCGIRK/JERUSALEM
In Hebrew, the word 'Merkava' means chariot, and the Israeli tank known as Merkava 4, is a mighty, steel-plated chariot of war. But in the stony hills of southern Lebanon, in battles where stealth is more valued than firepower, the chariot is reduced to being an ambulance, ferrying wounded commandos back across the border. And even then, the tank is proving to be less than invincible.

On Monday, two tanks were dispatched to pick up Israeli soldiers wounded in the siege of Bint Jebeil, a town used by Hizballah Islamic militants to spray the northern corners of Israel with rocket fire. The town also has symbolic value to Hizballah; it was here in 2000 that Hizballah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah proclaimed victory after Israeli troops withdrew from Lebanon. The sheikh' s jeering remarks had riled the Israeli generals, so they didn't need any extra motivation this week when Bint Jebeil, its tunnels and caves stocked with rockets and over 100 Hizballah fighters, turned into a major target of the theirs.

As the two tanks came rumbling back with their wounded cargo, they came under fire. A missile blasted one of the Merkav 4s, killing a soldier and injuring a battalion commander. The second ran over a large explosive device planted by Hizballah that is identical to those used to such devastating effect against U.S. armored forces in Iraq. The force of the blast flipped over the 65 ton tank, killing the vehicle's commander and injuring three other crew. Earlier in the 12-day ground offensive, the Israelis had lost another tank to a hidden mine, killing four men.

Israel may have a technological superiority over Hizballah, but in the hide-and-seek dynamic of a guerrilla war, tanks and air strikes aren' t always enough. Some Israeli military officers are worried that the war is being waged the way the guerrillas want, dragging the Israeli Defense Forces into prolonged and messy battles on alien turf. Early on, the Israeli plan was to launch swift punches on the militants' rocket-launching positions and then to withdraw. But Hizballah began to play the game by their rules, drawing the Israeli troops into lengthy ambushes in places where their vaunted 21st century war machine was of little or no use. Not only were the guerrillas masters of the terrain, but they were equipped with top-of-the line anti-tank missiles. The first hard lesson was dealt to the Israelis in a hilltop village known as Maroun al Ras, just 500 meters from the Israeli border. What was intended as a lightning blow by the Israelis turned into a three-day slugfest.

Early on, the Israelis were reluctant to send lots of troops into the fray; Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wanted to keep down casualties and reassure the international community that Israel had no intention of grabbing real estate in Lebanon. And, according to military sources, the Israelis also lacked on-the ground intelligence, so they under-estimated Hizballah' s strength and its determination to punch it out. Despite the Israeli offensive, Hizballah still managed to sling over 2,000 rockets onto Israel.

But after the toll rose to 23 dead and 80 wounded, the IDF had learned their lesson. When it came to a ground offensive, big was better. No longer would they rely on small bands of commandos to flush Hizballah out of their trenches and underground hideouts. By Tuesday, the third day of the offensive, over 5,000 troops were called in to lay siege to Bint Jebeil, most of whose 30,000 Shi'ite inhabitants had long since fled. Facing that kind of full-scale onslaught, Hizballah's fighters have no choice but to flee by night or fight it out. "There is still fighting going on," an army spokesman told journalists on Tuesday. "I can't say we are in total control of the village yet."

With its large army and its overwhelming firepower, Israel will eventually pry the Hizballah militants off the Lebanese border. The problem is it could take weeks, or longer. In recent days, a note of caution has crept into the soundbites of various Israeli military officers. Gone are the boasts that Hizballah will be hammered into oblivion. Instead, they're urging diplomacy and calling for the presence of a robust international peace-keeping force along the border to halt Hizballah's rocketmen. Meanwhile, as casualties rise, many of Israel' s formidable chariots of war are being pressed into ambulance service.?

- With reporting by Aaron. J Klein/Jerusalem

http://www.time.com/time/world/printout/0,8816,1218814,00.html

annihilation

07-26-2006, 04:52 PM

Israel may have a technological superiority over Hizballah, but in the hide-and-seek dynamic of a guerrilla war, tanks and air strikes aren' t always enough. Some Israeli military officers are worried that the war is being waged the way the guerrillas want, dragging the Israeli Defense Forces into prolonged and messy battles on alien turf. (http://www.time.com/time/world/printout/0,8816,1218814,00.html)

Could it also be said that the more technological armies also have to be more constrained in how they combat their enemies? They have to take much more precaution for civilians while the guerrilla fighter uses that to their advantage.

americanbychoice

07-26-2006, 05:30 PM

CNN has picked up this story now (off of the wires)...

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/26/iran.volunteers.ap/index.html

Iranians volunteer to fight Israel

Group heads for 'holy war' in Lebanon

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Surrounded by yellow Hezbollah flags, more than 60 Iranian volunteers set off Wednesday to join what they called a holy war against Israeli forces in Lebanon.

The group -- ranging from teenagers to grandfathers -- plans to join about 200 other volunteers on the way to the Turkish border, which they hope to cross Thursday. They plan to reach Lebanon via Syria on the weekend.

Organizers said the volunteers are carrying no weapons, and it was not clear whether Turkey would allow them to pass.

...

Frogg

07-26-2006, 05:43 PM

In the back of my mind about the UN peacekeeper deaths......

The broader war against Israel

Melanie Phillips has a damning two part article on the War against Israel (http://www.melaniephillips.com/diary/?p=1291). I urge you to read both parts.

At the end of the second part she includes the following note;

Retired Canadian General Lew MacKenzie — who is speaking in Toronto tonight at a Stand with Israel rally — was interviewed on CBC Toronto radio this a.m.

He told the show’s anchor that he had received an e-mail only days before from the dead Canadian observor who was a member of his former battalion. MacKenzie says that the message indicated in effect that the UN position was being used as cover by Hezbollah, who, MacKenzie explained, can do so quite freely as they are not members of the UN and not subject, therefore, to official condemnation. MacKenzie further took issue with the misleading reportage (citing CNN in particular) that suggests that Beirut is being bombarded by the IDF and that the city is in ruins. He said that the bombing is no where near the saturation levels that constitute a bombardment and the IAF have specifically targetted a twelve-block area that is, more-or-less, Hezbollah City, and only after dropping leaflets warning civilians to vacate well in advance of the planned airstrikes

http://www.israpundit.com/2006/?p=1990

LATimes article confirms....

At the same time, Hezbollah has been blamed for placing its fighters and weapons in densely populated civilian neighborhoods, and near United Nations facilities.

Hezbollah guerrillas were setting up rocket launchers near U.N. positions, spokesman Milos Strugar said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-lebanon20jul20,0,4733925,full.story

So, knowing that......why didn't Kofi recall all UN peacekeepers???

And, just a reminder.....

http://www.cjnews.com/photos/aug15/flags.jpg

Also.....about Beirut being devastated.....

July 25, 2006

Devastation. What devastation?

http://www.israpundit.com/2006/wp-content/images/_Beirutaffectedareas2.jpg

Click on the picture for a larger map (go to link for clickables). Notice how small the area is that the bombing focused on. About the size of three race tracks.

You wouldn’t know it from the televised images.

http://www.israpundit.com/2006/?p=1981

Irish

07-26-2006, 06:03 PM

Six One News: Richard Crowley reports on the series of meetings in the Middle-East held by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice http://www.rte.ie/news/images/video_sml_but.gif (http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/2160163.smil)

Bootneck

07-26-2006, 06:37 PM

Retired Canadian Major General Lewis Mackenzie was interviewed on CBC radio, and had some very interesting news about the UN observer post hit by Israeli shells; the Canadian peacekeeper killed there had previously emailed Mackenzie telling him that Hizballah was using their post as cover.

The entire interview is a breath of fresh air:

We received emails from him a few days ago, and he was describing the fact that he was taking fire within, in one case, three meters of his position for tactical necessity, not being targeted. Now that’s veiled speech in the military. What he was telling us was Hezbollah soldiers were all over his position and the IDF were targeting them. And that’s a favorite trick by people who don’t have representation in the UN. They use the UN as shields knowing that they can’t be punished for it.

Interview audio available here:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=21786_Canadian_General-_UN_Observer_Post_Used_By_Hizballah&only

B Inman

07-26-2006, 07:04 PM

jerusalem post report on battle at Bint Jabiel

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292001539&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

DeltaWhisky58

07-26-2006, 07:41 PM

Nine Israelis killed in Lebanon

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41933000/jpg/_41933182_woundedsoldier203_afp.jpg
The Israelis died in a battle for the town Bint Jbeil

Nine Israeli soldiers have been killed in fierce clashes with Hezbollah militants in south Lebanon.

Eight troops died near the town of Bint Jbeil, the biggest loss of life in a single incident so far during Israel's two-week campaign.
In Rome, UN-led crisis talks ended with no agreement to urge an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The talks were overshadowed by an outcry after an Israeli missile killed four UN observers on Tuesday.
The eight Israelis were killed early on Wednesday morning as Israeli forces tried to take control of Bint Jbeil, a strategically located town near the border between Lebanon and Israel.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41932000/gif/_41932684_leb_is_gaz_launch_4map203.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Future scenarios (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5217882.stm)
How post was bombed (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5216230.stm)

The Israeli army confirmed the deaths on Wednesday evening.
Israel says the town is a Hezbollah stronghold, used by the militants as a launching ground for the barrages of rockets fired daily into northern Israel.
Twenty-two soldiers were injured in the fighting, the Israeli army said.
A military source told the BBC that several soldiers were killed when the Israeli infantry were ambushed near the town shortly before dawn.
More were killed during a rescue operation, which was followed by an intense five-hour firefight.
Later, another Israeli soldier was killed in the border village of Maroun al-Ras, which Israel moved into over the weekend after several days of fighting.
In the southern city of Tyre, a massive explosion destroyed a six-storey building where a local Hezbollah leader was believed to have an apartment.
At least six people were injured, although the building was empty at the time.
Correspondents say Israel has been meeting stronger resistance from Hezbollah than it initially anticipated.
A senior Israel army general said he expected the fighting would continue for "several more weeks".
More than 405 Lebanese and 51 Israelis have died in violence since Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
In other developments:

Hezbollah fired more than 150 rockets into Israel, injuring 31 people, security and medical sources say
Ten lorries loaded with food and medical supplies arrived in the southern town of Tyre from the capital, Beirut
More than 300 people - mainly US and Australian citizens - who had been caught in the fighting in southern Lebanon are due to leave from Tyre on a Canadian ferry on Wednesday evening.UN deaths

Details have emerged about the deaths of four unarmed UN observers after an Israeli air strike hit a UN post in south Lebanon on Tuesday.
UN staff had contacted Israeli troops 10 times to ask them to stop firing before a precision missile landed on the building, an initial UN report into the incident said.
Each time the UN contacted Israeli forces, they were assured the firing would stop, the report said.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has expressed "deep regrets" over the deaths.
Israel is conducting an investigation into the incident and has rejected accusations made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the targeting of the UN position was "apparently deliberate".
White House spokesman Tony Snow said there was no reason to suggest the bombing was deliberate.
The UN Security Council is meeting to discuss the incident.

'Utmost urgency'

The Rome summit, called by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, brought together EU and Arab nations plus the US and Russia, but not Israel, Iran or Syria.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41933000/jpg/_41933800_un_body_203ap.jpg
The UN deaths have provoked an international outcry

Despite an impassioned warning from Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora that more people would die if a ceasefire was delayed, the ministers stopped short of calling for an immediate truce.
In a joint statement, the ministers attending pledged to work "with utmost urgency" for a ceasefire.
But, reflecting the US position, they said a ceasefire "must be lasting, permanent and sustainable".
There was agreement on the need for an international force with a UN mandate for south Lebanon, but no details were given about which countries would provide troops or the rules of engagement.
Ms Rice expressed concern about Syria and Iran's support for Hezbollah.
But Mr Annan said it was important to work with the countries of the region, including Syria and Iran, to find a solution to the crisis. The BBC's Jonathan Beale says it seems the US got its way in the talks, and Mr Annan and the Arab nations represented at the summit will leave disappointed.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5218926.stm)

shocker1

07-27-2006, 12:19 AM

Nine IDF soldiers killed in bitter south Lebanon fightinghttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gif
By Amos Harel (contact@haaretz.co.il) and Eli Ashkenazi (elia@haaretz.co.il), Haaretz Correspondentshttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gif
Nine Israel Defense Forces soldiers died Wednesday and 27 others were injured in the hardest day of fighting in southern Lebanon since the war began two weeks ago. Five of the injured soldiers are in serious condition.

The IDF believes that Hezbollah lost 15 of its fighters in Wednesday's fighting.

Eight of the IDF dead - five soldiers and three officers - were from the Golani Brigade; they were killed in fighting in the town of Bint Jbail. The ninth soldier, a paratrooper, was killed last night in Maroun Ras.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gifhttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gifAdvertisementThe IDF began its operation against Bint Jbail on Monday morning. By Tuesday evening, troops from the Golani and Paratroops Brigades had taken up positions on the outskirts of the town, and Golani soldiers had also entered some of the homes.

At approximately 5 A.M. Wednesday, Golani infantry entered Bint Jbail from the northeast and headed toward the center of town. The aim of the operation was to find and engage Hezbollah guerrillas and destroy their stores of arms.

According to initial reports, the guerrillas managed to ambush the IDF forces as they approached several homes on the outskirts of the town. Many of the Golani casualties occurred during this initial encounter, which took place at very close range.

The initial battle raged for about an hour. During the next three hours, other platoons entered the area in an attempt to extricate the force that was pinned down. Hezbollah forces fired antitank missiles and threw grenades at the force it had caught in its ambush, and it also used mortars to attack the supporting IDF units.

A total of 22 soldiers suffered injuries, including two platoon commanders. Three of the casualties were seriously wounded, four were moderately hurt and 15 had light wounds. The evacuation of the injured was particularly difficult because of the heavy fire in the area.

The IDF's Northern Command was initially reluctant to deploy attack helicopters in the battle, due to concerns that Hezbollah might succeed in shooting down one of them. However, the delay in the evacuation of the wounded led to a decision to deploy the helicopters.

The evacuation, which was finally accomplished only six hours after the start of the battle, utilized four Blackhawk helicopters that landed two kilometers from the scene of the fighting. The soldiers carried their injured comrades on foot to the improvised landing strip.

While the operation was being carried out, Bint Jbail was subjected to heavy and sustained fire, and the helicopter landing area was covered in smoke in order to conceal the choppers' presence from Hezbollah snipers and missiles. The helicopters stayed on the ground no more than a minute each before evacuating the wounded to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.

The fighting in the town continued into the evening, and included aerial attacks on the center of the town by the Israel Air Force.

Later in the evening, in the nearby town of Maroun Ras, Hezbollah guerrillas fired an antitank missile at a force of paratroopers, killing one and seriously wounding two others. Another paratrooper suffered moderate injuries and two others were lightly hurt. All were evacuated to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.

Major General Udi Adam, the GOC Northern Command, said Wednesday that "the soldiers displayed sangfroid, bravery and professionalism after they came under fire, and they succeeded in killing many terrorists. In the IDF, we estimate that at least 15 Hezbollah guerrillas were killed in the village. There are also assessments that put the number of casualties on the Lebanese side at 40 to 50 dead fighters."

Senior officers in the Northern Command said Wednesday night that at this stage, they have a very limited picture of what transpired.

However, officers in the Golani and Paratroops Brigades charged that the IDF employed insufficient force before the soldiers were deployed to search the homes. They said that once the civilians had been told to leave the town, the army should have regarded Bint Jbail as a battlefield and destroyed any home where Hezbollah guerrillas were suspected of hiding.

They also charged that not enough aircraft were used to attack targets.

The IDF's modus operandi in southern Lebanon in recent days has sparked great debate among all ranks of the army. Many field officers argue that insufficient forces are being deployed in the fighting and that the army is being ineffective against Katyusha rocket launchers.

Olmert to convene security cabinet
The prime minister will meet with the security cabinet Thursday morning to discuss the possibility of expanding the IDF operation in southern Lebanon.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a late-night meeting Wednesday with the group of seven ministers who are part of the security cabinet to discuss options and exchange views about the continuation of the operation in view of the rising casualties in battles against Hezbollah and the continued Katyusha rocket attacks against northern Israel.

It appears that the army is gradually moving away from its previous tactic of raids targeting specific positions along the border, in favor of one of capturing and temporarily holding a security zone whose aim would be to push the rocket launchers further north.

This strategy will not completely prevent the rocket attacks, but it will limit the scope of the threat against northern Israel.

A government source in Jerusalem said Wednesday night that the meeting of the security cabinet was not meant to reach a decision, but to prepare for Thursday morning's cabinet meeting. Until now, decisions have been made via limited consultations between the prime minister and Defense Minister Amir Peretz.

Olmert expressed support for the continuation of the operation in Lebanon, a view that he shares with Peretz and his predecessor at the Defense Ministry, Shaul Mofaz. Others in the security cabinet also support this view.

The prime minister's stance received a boost Wednesday following the conclusion of the Rome Conference, which dissolved without a call for an immediate cease-fire. This means that Israel has been given additional time to carry on with its military operation in southern Lebanon, while continuing to enjoy American support.

In parallel with the military operation, efforts will continue to forge a diplomatic solution and that will include the deployment of a multinational force in southern Lebanon, under a United Nations mandate.

At Thursday's cabinet meeting, a number of ministers are expected to express bitter criticism of the handling of the war in the north, including its aims and the nature of the ground operations particularly following the heavy casualties in Wednesday's operations.

Military sources claimed Wednesday that the IDF's current tactics are having an insufficient impact on the Katyusha rocket launchers and expose the soldiers to excessive danger. The criticism was mostly aimed at the decision not to employ large ground forces in Lebanon, which would give the IDF a significant advantages over a guerrilla force.

The sources also criticized what they described as insufficient utilization of aircraft in ground support operations, because of concerns that they might kill Lebanese civilians that did not evacuate target areas.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/743027.html

Decebalus

07-27-2006, 01:04 AM

As I don't see any other threads to post this, and discuss about it, I made one. Hopefully it will be followed by analytical discussions.

a non jurnalistic analyses of situation made by one professional analist

from www.stratfor.com
Special Report: The Israeli Puzzle
By George Friedman

The question that is now most pressing is figuring out exactly what Israel is up to. Hezbollah's strategy is fairly clear-cut: Now that the war has started, it cannot maneuver in the open, for fear of Israeli air power; therefore, it is holding its positions, absorbing the airstrikes and engaging Israeli troops as they approach. Hezbollah continues to fire rockets at Israel. The longer it fights and the more resistance it offers, the more of a psychological blow it inflicts on the Israelis and the more it improves its credibility as a fighting force and its influence among groups resisting Israel. In an ideal form, the Israelis would be drawn into Lebanon, forced into an occupation and forced to fight the kind of counterinsurgency in which the United States is now engaged in Iraq.

Israel's stated goal is the destruction of Hezbollah's ability to wage war. This means shutting down Hezbollah's rocket attacks, engaging and destroying deployed forces, destroying Hezbollah's support infrastructure -- and doing this so thoroughly that Hezbollah either will not recover its capabilities or will take years to do so. Israeli forces also must do this without being drawn into an occupation that Hezbollah and others could draw out into an extended counterinsurgency operation. In other words, Israel's goal is to shatter Hezbollah without an extended occupation of Lebanon.

Thus far, Israel's strategy has focused on an air campaign. Supplementing the air campaign has been a substantial mobilization of ground forces and a very shallow insertion of these forces along the southern Lebanese frontier. This is where the mystery begins.

Historically, Israel has tried to fight wars as quickly as possible. There are three reasons for this. First, Israel is casualty-averse and fears wars of attrition. The rapid destruction of enemy forces has always been a principle. Second, large-scale mobilization is extremely expensive for Israel economically. Wars need to end quickly, so as to keep the costs of mobilization low. Third, Israel has a dependency on the United States. An example is its need for additional precision-guided munitions and for jet fuel. The United States normally supports Israel but usually wants to see cease-fires put into place as quickly as possible. Therefore, Israel typically has to end major, conventional combat operations as quickly as possible. In previous wars the Israeli model has been sudden, surprise initiation of war or -- when not possible, as in 1973 -- rapid seizure of the initiative, followed by rapid termination.

But to this point, Israel is fighting a very different war. It essentially has been conducting an extended air campaign without significant engagement on the ground. Now, Israeli commanders, heavily influenced by American thinking, have been attracted to the air option: It holds open the promise of destroying the enemy without exposing Israel's forces to extensive casualties. The war can be conducted in an environment in which air power is immune from defenses.

Historically, the air campaign has been seen as incapable of delivering victory except in concert with a ground campaign. In this particular campaign, Israel clearly has not achieved either of its two objectives. First, rocket fire from Hezbollah has not been suppressed. Israel seems to be having the same problem in this area as the United States had in 1991, with its famous Scud Hunt in Iraq. It could eventually work, but it hasn't yet. Second, the air campaign, from the little we have seen, does not appear to have broken Hezbollah's will to resist. The small-unit combat we have had reported from southern Lebanon describes a capable, motivated resistance that could be absorbing more casualties than the Israelis are, but that has not been defeated.

It is difficult, thus, to envision the air war as the totality of the campaign. If the Israelis have counted on this to be sufficient, it has failed so far. It also is difficult to imagine the Israeli air force having convinced the army that an air campaign by itself would suffice. Therefore, we are drawn to one of two conclusions: Either the main effort will come on the ground but has not yet been launched, or the Israelis envision some diplomatic solution to the problem of Hezbollah. In other words, the air campaign is either preparation for a ground invasion, or it is designed to set the stage for a political settlement.

The Political Option

Let's examine the second possibility. Obviously, there has been a tremendous amount of diplomatic activity going on, not least of which has been U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to the region. There are myriad possibilities, but in the end -- from Israel's point of view -- any settlement must contain the following elements:

1. An end to rocket attacks against Israel and the release of captured Israeli soldiers.
2. Controls over Hezbollah by a third party to assure that Hezbollah would cease to be a threat to Israel.

The first issue can be readily dealt with; the second cannot. First, there is no force that can impose controls on Hezbollah, or that can do so without incurring other consequences. The Lebanese army, even if it had the will, is simply not strong enough to engage and defeat Hezbollah. An outside peacekeeping force -- from Europe, for example -- would not be prepared to engage in direct combat against Hezbollah (or Israel) if either resumed fighting. The assumption that the mere presence of such a force would prevent either party from pursuing their interests assumes that each would fear the consequences of inflicting casualties on the peacekeepers. Since it is not clear that there would be any consequence aside from stern warnings, a third-party buffer would offer no solution for Israel's (or Hezbollah's) security concerns.

There is an assumption that Iran or Syria could simply order Hezbollah to stop the fighting. In our view, this vastly overestimates the political influence of Tehran and Damascus -- or the unity between Iran and Syria. Each has different interests in this fight, the governments are wildly different regimes, and neither has as much trust in the other as might be imagined. Iran is very far away and, though it has covert levers, it has few overt ones. Hezbollah has its own interests in this war -- and though Iran and Syria are enablers, providing the militants with weapons and training, that does not ultimately give them control over Hezbollah. Put it this way: Hezbollah would not be what it is without Syria and Iran, but it does not follow that it is under the control of Syria and Iran. At this point, few if any weapons are getting to the militants anyway. Hezbollah is playing its own game.

One non-Israeli way of controlling Hezbollah is Syria. Syria's army is strong enough to compel Hezbollah to cease fire, and it is in a position to assure compliance. But for that, the army would have to re-enter Lebanon. The United States, concerned about Syria's behavior in Iraq, engaged in maneuvers to force Syria out of Lebanon not too long ago. It is unlikely that the Americans want to see them return. Indeed, Israel, which has quietly collaborated with Syria over Lebanon in the past, might have fewer objections and even a degree of trust in this regard. Certainly, the Israelis do not want to see regime change in Syria, since whatever might succeed Bashar al Assad would be worse, from their point of view. But in the end, relying on Syria to end rocket attacks against Israel would be a tenuous solution at best.

It is therefore difficult to see how diplomacy can produce a solution. Even if Hezbollah is being badly hurt by the air campaign, it is not so bad a beating that it is being crushed. In fact, the diplomatic settlement would give Hezbollah what it has not yet won -- and might not win -- on the battlefield. As for Israel, there is near unanimity in the polls that the Israeli public wants a final resolution of the Hezbollah threat. A solution that would simply postpone such a resolution, such as a cease-fire and a NATO peacekeeping force, would be quickly attacked by Likud -- and we would bet the Olmert government could not survive.

This is a moment when diplomacy cannot provide a resolution that is desirable to either side. Now, it is possible that the Israeli view is that, with extended pounding from the air, Hezbollah will reconsider its position. However, aside from the example of Kosovo -- where Yugoslavia was fighting for what was, in the end, a peripheral interest -- air power simply hasn't forced such a capitulation historically. From what we can see, it isn't producing it this time either.

There is also a public relations shift taking place. In the early days of the air campaign, there was a surprising amount of international support for Israel. As the air campaign wears on and the pictures of civilian casualties beam around the world, that support is deteriorating. Israel is coming under greater political pressure. Shortly, the United States will be experiencing it. As we have said, the United States wants to see Hezbollah crippled. At the same time, the Bush administration is politically weak in the United States and is fighting to recover its balance. An extended Israeli air campaign that is not reaching any recognizable goal will generate pressure inside the United States and might force Washington to pressure Israel to terminate the campaign. Israel will not be able to resist that pressure -- not while it requires re-supply from the United States. Bush, with his poll numbers and increasing problems in Iraq, cannot resist indefinitely either.

Next Moves

Israel is engaged in an air campaign that has not yet achieved its goals, it has mobilized ground forces that are standing by, it is engaged in diplomacy that cannot logically achieve a sustainable end, and it is fighting an enemy that shows every sign of being able to continue to resist -- even after being engaged in air-ground operations. The political window is not closed, but is beginning to close. From Hezbollah's point of view, this can and should go on for a long time. From Israel's point of view, the pressure for war termination is building.

There are three possibilities here:

1. Israel is going to go with the air campaign indefinitely.
2. Israel is going to negotiate a diplomatic solution.
3. Israel is going to wage a ground campaign.

We have explained why the first two options do not appear viable to us. Unless Israel's battle damage assessment of the airstrikes is showing its intelligence people something we can't see from afar, the air campaign is a valuable preparation for a ground war but not a substitute. Unless some sort of strange deal is in the works with Syria, which we doubt, we do not see the shape of a diplomatic settlement. And unless Israel is going to declare victory and just stop, we don't see the war ending. Therefore, our analysis continues to point to a major ground operation.

People we have contacted in Israel keep talking about Israel having some surprises. We already are surprised by the amount of time between the initiation of the air attack and the initiation of a major ground offensive. If the Israelis have more surprises waiting, it will be interesting to see what they are. However, at this point, unless Israel wants to abandon the goal of rendering Hezbollah harmless for an extended period of time, it would seem to us that a massive raid in force, followed by destruction of infrastructure in detail, followed by withdrawal, is the most realistic option remaining.

One other possible explanation for events (and perhaps this is the surprise) is that Israel has been taken aback by Hezbollah's abilities and resilience, and that the Israelis are not certain they can attain their political ends militarily. In other words, the cost of imposing defeat on Hezbollah might be seen as so high, or perhaps unattainable, that the outcome of the war must be something of a stalemate. If that is the case, the balance of power in the region has shifted dramatically and Hezbollah has, in fact, won a victory. Since we do not think Israel will concede that point, we continue to await Israel's move.

We have been told to expect surprises in how Israel does this. We agree fully: We are surprised. We see the Hezbollah plan and it is unfolding -- not as well as it might have hoped, but not that poorly either. We await the Israeli solution to the problem posed by Hezbollah. There will be at least one clear criterion for victory or defeat on both sides. If Hezbollah continues to attack Haifa and other major cities without Israel being able to stop it, or it halts those attacks only after a diplomatic compromise, Hezbollah would have achieved its strategic goal and Israel would have lost. If Israel can end the attacks without making political concessions, Israel would have won. At a certain point, it is as simple as that.

I read it, it was a good article. What do you guys think about it?

Clearday-TRForce

07-27-2006, 03:00 AM

Yeah and the another one is coming from same source

Israel lives with three realities: geographic, demographic and cultural. Geographically, it is at a permanent disadvantage, lacking strategic depth. It does enjoy the advantage of interior lines -- the ability to move forces rapidly from one front to another. Demographically, it is on the whole outnumbered, although it can achieve local superiority in numbers by choosing the time and place of war. Its greatest advantage is cultural. It has a far greater mastery of the technology and culture of war than its neighbors.

Two of the realities cannot be changed. Nothing can be done about geography or demography. Culture can be changed. It is not inherently the case that Israel will have a technological or operational advantage over its neighbors. The great inherent fear of Israel is that the Arabs will equal or surpass Israeli prowess culturally and therefore militarily. If that were to happen, then all three realities would turn against Israel and Israel might well be at risk.

That is why the capture of Israeli troops, first one in the south, then two in the north, has galvanized Israel. The kidnappings represent a level of Arab tactical prowess that previously was the Israeli domain. They also represent a level of tactical slackness on the Israeli side that was previously the Arab domain. These events hardly represent a fundamental shift in the balance of power. Nevertheless, for a country that depends on its cultural superiority, any tremor in this variable reverberates dramatically. Hamas and Hezbollah have struck the core Israeli nerve. Israel cannot ignore it.

Embedded in Israel's demographic problem is this: Israel has national security requirements that outstrip its manpower base. It can field a sufficient army, but its industrial base cannot supply all of the weapons needed to fight high-intensity conflicts. This means it is always dependent on an outside source for its industrial base and must align its policies with that source. At first this was the Soviets, then France and finally the United States. Israel broke with the Soviets and France when their political demands became too intense. It was after 1967 that it entered into a patron-client relationship with the United States. This relationship is its strength and its weakness. It gives the Israelis the systems they need for national security, but since U.S. and Israeli interests diverge, the relationship constrains Israel's range of action.

During the Cold War, the United States relied on Israel for a critical geopolitical function. The fundamental U.S. interest was Turkey, which controlled the Bosporus and kept the Soviet fleet under control in the Mediterranean. The emergence of Soviet influence in Syria and Iraq -- which was not driven by U.S. support for Israel since the United States did not provide all that much support compared to France -- threatened Turkey with attack from two directions, north and south. Turkey could not survive this. Israel drew Syrian attention away from Turkey by threatening Damascus and drawing forces and Soviet equipment away from the Turkish frontier. Israel helped secure Turkey and turned a Soviet investment into a dry hole.

Once Egypt signed a treaty with Israel and Sinai became a buffer zone, Israel became safe from a full peripheral war -- everyone attacking at the same time. Jordan was not going to launch an attack and Syria by itself could not strike. The danger to Israel became Palestinian operations inside of Israel and the occupied territories and the threat posed from Lebanon by the Syrian-sponsored group Hezbollah.

In 1982, Israel responded to this threat by invading Lebanon. It moved as far north as Beirut and the mountains east and northeast of it. Israel did not invade Beirut proper, since Israeli forces do not like urban warfare as it imposes too high a rate of attrition. But what the Israelis found was low-rate attrition. Throughout their occupation of Lebanon, they were constantly experiencing guerrilla attacks, particularly from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has two patrons: Syria and Iran. The Syrians have used Hezbollah to pursue their political and business interests in Lebanon. Iran has used Hezbollah for business and ideological reasons. Business interests were the overlapping element. In the interest of business, it became important to Hezbollah, Syria and Iran that an accommodation be reached with Israel. Israel wanted to withdraw from Lebanon in order to end the constant low-level combat and losses.

Israel withdrew in 1988, having reached quiet understandings with Syria that Damascus would take responsibility for Hezbollah, in return for which Israel would not object to Syrian domination of Lebanon. Iran, deep in its war with Iraq, was not in a position to object if it had wanted to. Israel returned to its borders in the north, maintaining a security presence in the south of Lebanon that lasted for several years.

As Lebanon blossomed and Syria's hold on it loosened, Iran also began to increase its regional influence. Its hold on some elements of Hezbollah strengthened, and in recent months, Hezbollah -- aligning itself with Iranian Shiite ideology -- has become more aggressive. Iranian weapons were provided to Hezbollah, and tensions grew along the frontier. This culminated in the capture of two soldiers in the north and the current crisis.

It is difficult to overestimate the impact of the soldier kidnappings on the Israeli psyche. First, while the Israeli military is extremely highly trained, Israel is also a country with mass conscription. Having a soldier kidnapped by Arabs hits every family in the country. The older generation is shocked and outraged that members of the younger generation have been captured and worried that they allowed themselves to be captured; therefore, the younger generation needs to prove it too can defeat the Arabs. This is not a primary driver, but it is a dimension.

The more fundamental issue is this: Israel withdrew from Lebanon in order to escape low-intensity conflict. If Hezbollah is now going to impose low-intensity conflict on Israel's border, the rationale for withdrawal disappears. It is better for Israel to fight deep in Lebanon than inside Israel. If the rockets are going to fall in Israel proper, then moving into a forward posture has no cost to Israel.

From an international standpoint, the Israelis expect to be condemned. These international condemnations, however, are now having the opposite effect of what is intended. The Israeli view is that they will be condemned regardless of what they do. The differential between the condemnation of reprisal attacks and condemnation of a full invasion is not enough to deter more extreme action. If Israel is going to be attacked anyway, it might as well achieve its goals.

Moreover, an invasion of Hezbollah-held territory aligns Israel with the United States. U.S. intelligence has been extremely concerned about the growing activity of Hezbollah, and U.S. relations with Iran are not good. Lebanon is the center of gravity of Hezbollah, and the destruction of Hezbollah capabilities in Lebanon, particularly the command structure, would cripple Hezbollah operations globally in the near future. The United States would very much like to see that happen, but cannot do it itself. Moreover, an Israeli action would enrage the Islamic world, but it would also drive home the limits of Iranian power. Once again, Iran would have dropped Lebanon in the grease, and not been hurt itself. The lesson of Hezbollah would not be lost on the Iraqi Shia -- or so the Bush administration would hope.

Therefore, this is one Israeli action that benefits the United States, and thus helps the immediate situation as well as long-term geopolitical alignments. It realigns the United States and Israel. This also argues that any invasion must be devastating to Hezbollah. It must go deep. It must occupy temporarily. It must shatter Hezbollah.

At this point, the Israelis appear to be unrolling a war plan in this direction. They have blockaded the Lebanese coast. Israeli aircraft are attacking what air power there is in Lebanon, and have attacked Hezbollah and other key command-and-control infrastructure. It would follow that the Israelis will now concentrate on destroying Hezbollah -- and Lebanese -- communications capabilities and attacking munitions dumps, vehicle sites, rocket-storage areas and so forth.

Most important, Israel is calling up its reserves. This is never a symbolic gesture in Israel. All Israelis below middle age are in the reserves and mobilization is costly in every sense of the word. If the Israelis were planning a routine reprisal, they would not be mobilizing. But they are, which means they are planning to do substantially more than retributive airstrikes. The question is what their plan is.

Given the blockade and what appears to be the shape of the airstrikes, it seems to us at the moment the Israelis are planning to go fairly deep into Lebanon. The logical first step is a move to the Litani River in southern Lebanon. But given the missile attacks on Haifa, they will go farther, not only to attack launcher sites, but to get rid of weapons caches. This means a move deep into the Bekaa Valley, the seat of Hezbollah power and the location of plants and facilities. Such a penetration would leave Israeli forces' left flank open, so a move into Bekaa would likely be accompanied by attacks to the west. It would bring the Israelis close to Beirut again.

This leaves Israel's right flank exposed, and that exposure is to Syria. The Israeli doctrine is that leaving Syrian airpower intact while operating in Lebanon is dangerous. Therefore, Israel must at least be considering using its air force to attack Syrian facilities, unless it gets ironclad assurances the Syrians will not intervene in any way. Conversations are going on between Egypt and Syria, and we suspect this is the subject. But Israel would not necessarily object to the opportunity of eliminating Syrian air power as part of its operation, or if Syria chooses, going even further.

At the same time, Israel does not intend to get bogged down in Lebanon again. It will want to go in, wreak havoc, withdraw. That means it will go deeper and faster, and be more devastating, than if it were planning a long-term occupation. It will go in to liquidate Hezbollah and then leave. True, this is no final solution, but for the Israelis, there are no final solutions.

Israeli forces are already in Lebanon. Its special forces are inside identifying targets for airstrikes. We expect numerous air attacks over the next 48 hours, as well as reports of firefights in southern Lebanon. We also expect more rocket attacks on Israel.

It will take several days to mount a full invasion of Lebanon. We would not expect major operations before the weekend at the earliest. If the rocket attacks are taking place, however, Israel might send several brigades to the Litani River almost immediately in order to move the rockets out of range of Haifa. Therefore, we would expect a rapid operation in the next 24-48 hours followed by a larger force later.

At this point, the only thing that can prevent this would be a major intervention by Syria with real guarantees that it would restrain Hezbollah and indications such operations are under way. Syria is the key to a peaceful resolution. Syria must calculate the relative risks, and we expect them to be unwilling to act decisively.

Therefore:

1. Israel cannot tolerate an insurgency on its northern frontier; if there is one, it wants it farther north.

2. It cannot tolerate attacks on Haifa.

3. It cannot endure a crisis of confidence in its military

4. Hezbollah cannot back off of its engagement with Israel.

5. Syria can stop this, but the cost to it stopping it is higher than the cost of letting it go on.

It would appear Israel will invade Lebanon. The global response will be noisy. There will be no substantial international action against Israel. Beirut's tourism and transportation industry, as well as its financial sectors, are very much at risk. an interesting article on these events

Send questions or comments on this article to analysis@stratfor.com

regards,
CDTRF

Paracaidista

07-27-2006, 03:26 AM

Source: New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/26/world/middleeast/26mideast.html?_r=1&th=&oref=slogin&emc=th&pagewanted=print)

July 26, 2006

Israel to Occupy Area of Lebanon as Security Zone

By GREG MYRE (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/greg_myre/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and HELENE COOPER

JERUSALEM, July 25 — Almost two weeks into its military assault on Hezbollah (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/h/hezbollah/index.html?inline=nyt-org), Israel (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/israel/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) said Tuesday that it would occupy a strip inside southern Lebanon (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/lebanon/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) with ground troops until an international force could take its place.

The announcement raised the prospect of a more protracted Israeli involvement in Lebanon than the political and military leadership previously signaled or publicly sought. Officials have talked about limited raids into Lebanon, but now they seem ready to commit ground forces for at least weeks, if not months.

They said the zone would be much smaller than the strip of southern Lebanon roughly 15 miles deep that Israel occupied for nearly two decades before withdrawing in 2000.

As the war between Israel and Hezbollah continued, four unarmed United Nations (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/united_nations/index.html?inline=nyt-org) observers were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit their observation post near the Israeli border, United Nations and Lebanese officials said. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Israel “regrets the tragic death” of the observers, and that it would investigate thoroughly.

The timetable and makeup of an international force remained vague, despite diplomacy by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/condoleezza_rice/index.html?inline=nyt-per) on her second day of a trip to the region. Ms. Rice, who met with Israeli and Palestinian officials after a surprise trip to Beirut on Monday, secured commitments from Israel to allow relief aid into Lebanon, and said she would press Israel to ease border restrictions for Palestinians.

But she left without any sign of a quick end to Israel’s military campaigns in Lebanon or the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/a/kofi_annan/index.html?inline=nyt-per), in Rome for talks on the Middle East scheduled to start Wednesday, issued a statement saying that he was “shocked and deeply distressed by the apparently deliberate targeting” of the United Nations post by the Israeli military. He said that the post, at Khiam, was clearly marked, and called on the Israeli government to conduct a full investigation. The official New China News Agency said one of the dead was a Chinese observer.

Elsewhere in southern Lebanon, in fighting over the two Hezbollah strongholds of Bint Jbail and Marun al Ras, Israel said it had killed the Hezbollah leader in the area, Abu Jaafer, and 20 to 30 Hezbollah fighters in a 24-hour period. At least six people were killed in two neighboring houses in a predawn raid on the southern town of Nabatiye.

Hezbollah continued to strike at Israel, firing nearly 100 rockets as of Tuesday night, the Israeli military said. The group’s leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, threatened missile strikes “beyond Haifa.” Hezbollah is believed to have missiles able to reach Tel Aviv.

Another Hezbollah leader, Mahmoud Komati, deputy chief of the group’s political arm, told The Associated Press that Hezbollah was surprised by the force of Israel’s reaction to its capture of two Israeli soldiers. He said Hezbollah had expected “the usual, limited” response such as commando raids or limited attacks on Hezbollah strongholds.

Israel’s defense minister, Amir Peretz, said Israel’s plan for a buffer zone inside Lebanon was being worked out and did not provide details.

“We will have to build a new security strip, a security strip that will be a cover for our forces until international forces arrive,” he said.

“We are shaping it, but you can’t draw a single line that will become a permanent line along the entire zone,” Mr. Peretz said on Israeli radio. “Unless there is multinational force that will enter and take control, a multinational force with the ability to act, we will continue to fire against anyone who enters the designated strip.”

Israeli officials, mindful of the Israeli public’s reluctance to repeat its long occupation of southern Lebanon, say they do not plan a major ground invasion, and do not intend to hold large parts of Lebanese territory for extended periods. Israeli leaders say they want the Lebanese Army to assume control of the border eventually.

Israeli troops do not yet have control over the border strip. A senior government official said Israeli forces intended to clear out Hezbollah strongholds in border villages as the military is already doing in Bint Jbail and Marun al Ras.

The military plans to move into other villages as well, but “this will not be the re-establishment of the old security zone,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. “It is not remotely similar.”

“If there is a strong international force, and if the Lebanese government is serious about establishing sovereignty on its border, then we will gladly leave,” the official said.

Ms. Rice, meanwhile, won a promise from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/ehud_olmert/index.html?inline=nyt-per) of Israel to allow relief flights into Beirut International Airport, where the runways have been bombed by Israel. Ms. Rice also told the Palestinian Authority (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/p/palestinian_authority/index.html?inline=nyt-org) president, Mahmoud Abbas (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/a/mahmoud_abbas/index.html?inline=nyt-per), that she would press Israel to ease border restrictions for Palestinians.

Ms. Rice received a warm welcome from Mr. Olmert in Jerusalem, in contrast to the much cooler receptions she received in the West Bank city of Ramallah, and in Beirut on Monday.

But her visit to the West Bank had echoes of her surprise stop in Beirut. In both cases, she assured a largely powerless leader that the United States was sympathetic to the suffering of his people, though American leaders have stopped short of pressuring Israel to let up on its campaign against militants.

Ms. Rice pointedly characterized Mr. Abbas as the “duly elected president” of the Palestinian Authority, and said “the Palestinian people have had to live too long” under harsh conditions.

But just as pointedly, she did not respond to Mr. Abbas’s urgent appeal for cease-fires in region, to ease what he said was suffering “beyond the capacity of any human being to endure.”

Ms. Rice and Mr. Abbas discussed the release of an Israeli soldier who was seized by Palestinian militants on June 25, setting off the current crisis in Gaza. But Mr. Abbas is seen as having little influence.

Hamas (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/h/hamas/index.html?inline=nyt-org), which holds the Palestinian prime minister’s post and controls the cabinet, is demanding an exchange for a large number of Palestinian prisoners. Also, Hamas militants were one of three factions that claimed responsibility for seizing the soldier.

The United States, along with Israel, regards Hamas as a terrorist group and has no official contact with it.

In Ramallah, just as in Beirut, demonstrators protested Ms. Rice’s visit. About 250 turned out, with some carrying signs that said in Arabic and English, “Rice, Go Home.” A general strike was called throughout the West Bank, and shops in Ramallah were closed as Ms. Rice’s motorcade drove through the city, just north of Jerusalem. With the Beirut airport closed, even Prime Minister Fouad Siniora of Lebanon had to make special arrangements to travel abroad. He boarded a United Nations helicopter near a conference center north of Beirut that took him to Cyprus. He was heading to Rome for the international conference, which Ms. Rice will also attend.

The Lebanese government has now adopted four Hezbollah conditions for a settlement as its own: giving the small disputed slice of border territory known as Shabaa Farms to Lebanon, returning three Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, ending Israeli flyovers into Lebanese airspace, and providing a map showing the location of Israeli land mines in southern Lebanon.

The issue of Shabaa Farms has been the public rationale for allowing Hezbollah, alone among civil war-era militias, to keep its weapons. It was, Lebanese officials have said, resisting continued Israeli occupation.

As the fighting continued, the Israeli military said its aerial attacks included bombing a Hezbollah rocket launching site near the southern city of Tyre, and hitting 10 buildings used by Hezbollah in southern Beirut.

In Mughar, in northern Israel, a 15-year-old Israeli Arab girl died in a Hezbollah rocket strike, family members said. Three other family members were wounded.

Israel also hit in Gaza, with the air force bombing three buildings used for making and storing weapons, according to the Israeli military.

A Palestinian teenager was shot and killed by Israeli troops near Gaza’s border fence, Palestinian hospital officials said. The Israeli military said it fired at people who had planted a bomb.

Palestinian militants fired several rockets into southern Israel on Tuesday, wounding one agricultural worker from Thailand, the Israeli military said.

Ms. Rice said: “It is time for a new Middle East. It is time to say to those that don’t want a different kind of Middle East that we will prevail. They will not.”

Ms. Rice and other administration officials have repeatedly blamed Hezbollah for starting the crisis in Lebanon with a raid into Israel on July 12 that resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and the capture of two more who were taken into Lebanon.

While strongly supporting Israel, the Bush administration does not want to see the democratically elected Lebanese government harmed by the current conflict.

“I have no doubt there are those who wish to strangle a democratic and sovereign Lebanon in its crib,” Ms. Rice said. “We, of course, also urgently want to end the violence.”

Saudi Arabia pledged a financial package of $1.5 billion to aid the Lebanese economy and help rebuild the country, the official Saudi news agency reported.

International support is building for a multinational force in southern Lebanon, but many issues are unclear, including which countries would send troops. An American official traveling with Ms. Rice said he believed that those questions would be worked out.

“I think you will hear about the impossibility of deploying an international force until the day it is deployed,” the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue. “But there will be an international force, because all the key players want it.”

In Rome on Wednesday, Ms. Rice is expected to talk with officials from Arab and European countries about the possible makeup and mandate of such a force.

With the United States’ military already stretched with commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ms. Rice has said she does not anticipate American troops’ being part of a force in Lebanon.

France is perhaps the most likely European country to contribute troops, given its history with Lebanon. France administered Lebanon as a protectorate from 1920 to 1943, and the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri, who was killed in a car bombing last year that many believe was linked to Syria, was a close friend of the French president, Jacques Chirac (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/jacques_chirac/index.html?inline=nyt-per).

But France is now resisting the American idea of moving a force in quickly, insisting on a cease-fire first, followed by a political agreement between Israel and Lebanon that would also be accepted by Hezbollah, said Jean-Baptiste Mattéi, the French Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Greg Myre reported from Jerusalem for this article, and Helene Cooper from Ramallah, West Bank, and Rome. Jad Mouawad contributed reporting from Beirut, and Elaine Sciolino from Paris.

Snoshi

07-27-2006, 04:41 AM

IDF said that it started to bury bodies of Hizbullah fighters that were killed.

They told that its hard to be in Jbat Beil because of the smell.

IDF estimates that around 150 fighters were killed there.

http://newsru.co.il/mideast/27jul2006/trupy.html

Snoshi

07-27-2006, 04:53 AM

A well-planned Hizbullah ambush on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Bint Jbail on Wednesday devastated Battalion 51 of the Golani Brigade, leaving eight soldiers, including three officers, dead and 24 wounded.

The eight victims were identified as Lt.-Col. Ro'i Klein, 31, from Eli; Lt. Amihai Merhavia, 24, also from Eli; Sgt. Assaf Namer, 27, from Kiryat Yam; Lt. Alexander Schwartzman, 24, from Acre; St.-Sgt. Shimon Adega, 21, from Kiryat Gat; St.-Sgt. Shimon Dahan, 20, from Ashdod; St.-Sgt. Idan Cohen, 21, from Tel Aviv; and St.-Sgt. Ohad Klausner, 20, from Beit Horon.

Later, a paratrooper officer was killed and three of his men were wounded, two seriously, when hit by an anti-tank missile on the outskirts of nearby Maroun al-Ras. The officer was later identified as Lt. Yiftah Shrier, 21, from Haifa.

For Jerusalem Online video coverage of the day's events click here.

Dozens of Hizbullah gunmen armed with antitank missiles and machine guns and geared up in night-vision goggles and bulletproof vests set a trap for a force of Golani infantrymen led by Lt.-Col. Yaniv Asor, commander of Battalion 51. At 5 a.m. Wednesday, Asor and his men asked the Golani command center for permission to enter an area of the outskirts of Bint Jbail. Col. Tamir Yidai, commander of the brigade, gave the green light for the operation.

Asor and his men moved quickly through approximately 15 one-story homes. But as the troops moved through the narrow alleyways, a strong Hizbullah force sent a wave of gunfire and missiles at the force, killing and wounding several soldiers in the first moments of the fight. As Asor and his men fought to regain control of the situation, other Hizbullah cells outflanked them and opened fire on the force as well as other IDF positions in the town.

The battle lasted for several hours during which Asor and his men sustained heavy casualties and killed at least 40 Hizbullah guerrillas, some in gunbattles at point-blank range. Then the evacuation of the wounded began, which lasted six hours due to incessant enemy fire. Four IAF helicopter pilots risked their lives by landing in enemy territory.

Men from the Golani's elite reconnaissance unit and from Battalion 51 carried stretchers with their wounded comrades for three kilometers to the helicopters, which landed for just under one minute at a time beneath a cover of smoke grenades and massive artillery fire before taking off to evacuate the wounded to Israeli hospitals.

Meanwhile at the Golani Brigade's command center, emotions ran high as word came in of the fierce gunbattle and the heavy casualties. Soldiers ran back and forth with maps and officers screamed into encrypted cellular phones coordinating the evacuation of the wounded.

At one point, Brig.-Gen. Gal Hirsh, commander of Division 91, stepped out of the command center to update Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz. "We can't land the helicopters," he said. "The fighting is too intense."

On Tuesday, things in the town had looked entirely different. The IDF, senior officers announced matter-of-factly, had it surrounded and were in control of the town. "The town is in our control," Hirsh said Tuesday. "The work is almost completed and the terrorists are fleeing." Some terrorists, however, seem to have remained, with deadly results.

The Golani's fight didn't end the combat Bint Jbail. Wednesday evening, after the IDF had once again declared it had secured the town, a Paratrooper force nearby was hit by a Sagger antitank missile.

One officer was killed and three soldiers were wounded in the attack and in the gunfight that ensued.

A high-ranking source in the Northern Command told The Jerusalem Post Wednesday that Bint Jbail could not be attacked by air since there were still several hundred civilians there. The officer said that the fighting in the town would continue at least for a day or two.

OC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Udi Adam said that the war in Lebanon would continue for several more weeks.

"There will unfortunately be more days like this," Adam told reporters. "We need to achieve our goal to completely overcome Hizbullah."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?apage=1&cid=1153292001539&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

RIP!! :(

CyberSpec

07-27-2006, 05:04 AM

Downer confirms Australian death in Lebanon

Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, has confirmed that a soldier killed in southern Lebanon while fighting for Israel was an Australian citizen.

Assaf Namer, 26, was one of nine soldiers killed by Hezbollah guerillas overnight as the Israelis tried to take the militant stronghold of Bint Jbeil.
The dual citizen was born in Israel and moved to Australia with his mother when he was 10.

He returned to Israel two-and-a-half years ago to enlist in the Israeli army.
Mr Downer said the soldier's mother and sister live in Sydney and are currently on their way to Israel.

"I just want to say how sad I am that an Australian has been killed and obviously we extend our condolences to the family and we'll provide whatever consular assistance is necessary in these circumstances," he said.
"He was doing national service in Israel - I think national service lasts for two years.
"He was in the last month of his national service so it's particularly sad circumstances surrounding his death."
The news came as the Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson, said 12 Australian soldiers in southern Lebanon would be withdrawn from the region and moved quickly to Beirut.
The troops had been sent to the area to help with evacuations of Australians trying to escape the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

'Authorisation'

Meanwhile, Israel says it has been given "authorisation" to press on in its offensive targeting the Hezbollah militant group.
The Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon has made the remarks following the lack of a united international call for an immediate cease-fire
"Yesterday in Rome we have in effect obtained the authorisation to continue our operations until Hezbollah is no longer present in southern Lebanon," Mr Ramon told army radio.
He was speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting that is due to decide whether to expand the offensive, now in its 16th day.
-ABC/AFP

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1698821.htm

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 08:09 AM

World 'backs Lebanon offensive'

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41934000/jpg/_41934930_afp203bodycomfort.jpg
The people of Tyre no longer feel they are in a safe haven

Israel says diplomats' decision not to call for a halt to its Lebanon offensive at a Middle East summit has given it the green light to continue.

"We received yesterday at the Rome conference permission from the world... to continue the operation," Justice Minister Haim Ramon said.
His comments came ahead of an Israeli cabinet meeting to decide whether to intensify the military offensive.
There have been more Israeli air raids and fighting continues in the south.
Foreign ministers attending crisis talks on the violence in Rome on Wednesday failed to unite in calling for an immediate ceasefire, vowing instead to work with "utmost urgency" for a sustainable truce.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41932000/gif/_41932684_leb_is_gaz_launch_4map203.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Future scenarios (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5217882.stm)
How post was bombed (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5216230.stm)

Speaking on Israeli army radio, Mr Ramon - a close confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - said "everyone understands that a victory for Hezbollah is a victory for world terror".
He said that in order to prevent casualties amongst Israeli soldiers battling Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, villages should be flattened by the Israeli air force before ground troops move in.

'All southerners terrorists'

He added that Israel had given the civilians of southern Lebanon ample time to quit the area and therefore anyone still remaining there can be considered Hezbollah supporters.
"All those now in south Lebanon are terrorists who are related in some way to Hezbollah," Mr Ramon said.
Mr Ramon's call for the use of greater firepower came as the Israeli cabinet was set to decide whether to broaden its military offensive.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifLEBANON TWO WEEKS ON
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41935000/jpg/_41935240_afp203bodybridge.jpg
Three airports bombed
62 bridges destroyed
Three dams and ports hit
5,000 homes damaged

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Damage in maps (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5218106.stm)
Economy reels (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5209502.stm)

The chief of Israel's northern command, Maj Gen Udi Adam, has warned that he expects the fighting to "continue for several more weeks".
The BBC Jim Muir in Tyre says that the progress of Israeli ground troops has not been as fast as expected as they battle through the difficult terrain of southern Lebanon.
They still have not managed to capture the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbeil, where they have suffered their worst losses.
An Israeli military official told the BBC that Israel has destroyed 50% of Hezbollah's weapons arsenal, but nonetheless the group's ability to inflict damage appears undiminished - on Wednesday they fired some 150 rockets into Israel, more than on any other day of the conflict.
Pursuing Mr Olmert's plan of pushing Hezbollah back from border areas, in order to prevent them continuing to fire rockets into Israeli territory, and establishing a "security zone" in the south will take many weeks, our correspondent adds.

'Suicide mission'

Meanwhile, Israel's attacks on Lebanon have continued with air strikes on a Lebanese army base and a radio relay station north of Beirut.
Fighting is continuing around the town of Bint Jbeil, in south Lebanon, where nine Israel soldiers died on Wednesday.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41934000/jpg/_41934928_afp203bodyboy.jpg
Israel suffered its worst losses in an ambush in Bint Jbeil

And in Tyre the bombing of nearby areas, combined with last night's raid on apartments right inside the city, has sparked a civilian exodus.
In a separate development, Australia has said it will withdraw a contingent of 12 UN peacekeepers, following the death of four UN observers in an Israeli air strike, whom the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, says were "apparently deliberately targeted".
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, speaking at the Asean conference in Malaysia, said sending an international peacekeeping force into southern Lebanon while the conflict continues would amount to a "suicide mission".
Foreign ministers attending crisis talks on the violence in Rome on Wednesday agreed on the need for an international peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, but not on when and how such a force should be deployed.

The meeting was overshadowed by outcry over the deaths of the UN observers, whom UN officials say had asked Israel repeatedly to stop attacking them before they were killed by an Israeli war plane.
At least 405 Lebanese and 51 Israelis have died in violence since Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
The BBC's Clare Bolderson in Jerusalem says that despite the escalating death toll public opinion in Israel remains solidly behind the government.
Israelis believe Hezbollah is a threat to their state's existence, our correspondent says, and though there are signs of a weariness with the rockets launched daily at Israel's northern towns, there is no indication they want the bombing to stop.
A poll published by Israel's Maariv daily newspaper on Thursday, has 82% saying they back the continuing offensive and the number saying "Israel's reaction to Hezbollah attacks is justified" remained unchanged at 95%. The poll was conducted before the death of nine Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon on Wednesday - the biggest loss of Israeli life in a single incident so far during the conflict.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5219360.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 08:10 AM

Beckett protest at weapons flight

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41933000/jpg/_41933468_prestwick_nighttwo203.jpg
The airport said it provided logistical support to military flights

British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has protested to the US about its use of Prestwick Airport in western Scotland to transport bombs to Israel.

Amid the Lebanon crisis, she said it seemed the US was ignoring procedure, and she registered her concerns with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
SNP leader Alex Salmond claimed the UK government must decide whether to "be an aircraft carrier" for the US.
The Lib Dems suggested the Americans were taking the UK for granted.
Mrs Beckett was asked about the controversy after discussing the Middle East crisis with fellow foreign ministers in Rome.
"We have already let the United States know that this is an issue that appears to be seriously at fault, and we will be making a formal protest if it appears that that is what has happened," she said.
Opposition parties have reacted angrily to a report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper that two chartered Airbus A310 cargo planes filled with laser-guided bombs landed at Prestwick en-route to Israel from the US.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Do we really think that it's a great idea at this particular moment with an escalating Middle East conflict to have GBUs [guided bomb units] sent to arm one side in that conflict to the teeth? http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Alex Salmond

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Analysis: Strained relations (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5219588.stm)

The Israelis have requested the munitions to attack bunkers being used by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

'Provocative'

Mr Salmond said that "with an escalating Middle East conflict", it was ill-advised to send bombs "to arm one side in that conflict to the teeth, at a time when hundreds of civilians, many children, United Nations observers, have already been eliminated, killed, by similar weapons".
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that for the UK to stand up to the Americans, it "would require an independent foreign policy, as opposed to merely acquiescing everything the United States chooses to do".
According to BBC Two's Newsnight programme, the US has lodged requests to bring two more planes through the UK carrying bombs and missiles for Israel in the next two weeks.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We have procedures in place for flights carrying arms.
"It's important that they are followed. If they are not, we will raise it with the US but we are not going to comment on US flights transiting through the UK.
"The foreign secretary has discussed this issue with Condoleezza Rice."

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41935000/jpg/_41935378_gbu_ap203b.jpg
Guided bomb units were carried on two chartered planes, it is claimed

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority said it followed a series of procedures set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation "to facilitate the international movement of civil aircraft".
These "apply to everyone who may be involved in putting or taking dangerous goods on an aircraft", its website stated.

'Inspections'

Countries must "hold a permission to carry dangerous goods" and submit to "audit-style inspections" to "check for compliance".
If insufficient information was supplied then all available evidence would be gathered to try to inform the originating state "so that action can be taken there", it said.
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority was unable to confirm whether it had been informed of the contents of the flight to which Mrs Beckett referred.
A Downing Street spokeswoman refused to comment on the matter, saying it was being dealt with by the Foreign Office.
And Strathclyde Police said the matter would be "for the owners of the airport and/or central government", as long as "no offence has been committed".

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif If these reports are true, it is particularly provocative for the United States to have acted in this way http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Sir Menzies Campbell

Prestwick - which lies 30 miles south of Glasgow - had supplied logistical aid for military flights since WWII in "moving troops and cargo", an airport spokesperson said.
"That support involves allowing crew to rest, refuelling aircraft and providing food and water.
"The airport is obliged to allow aircraft from any CAA-registered country to land here."

'Taken for granted'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell called for the UK government to respond.
"If these reports are true, it is particularly provocative for the United States to have acted in this way," he said.
"It can only reinforce the belief of many that Britain is taken for granted in the so-called special relationship.
"Who knows how many of these munitions may be used to cause the kind of damage to Lebanon which the prime minister of that country described in Rome as cutting his country to pieces."
Meanwhile one of Tony Blair's former foreign policy advisers has criticised the prime minister's approach to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
"There are times, such as the past two weeks, when a British prime minister should have been thinking less about private influence and more about public advocacy," Sir Stephen Wall wrote in the New Statesman. "Could the Prime Minister really not speak up for the simple proposition that the slaughter of innocent people in Lebanon, and the destruction of their country and the ruin of half a million lives, were wrong and should stop immediately?"

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5218036.stm)

Luno

07-27-2006, 08:13 AM

from http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=74294

BEIRUT, July 27, 2006 (AFP) - Israeli warplanes pounded Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley to the east of the capital Thursday, killing five people, police said.
One policeman and two civilians died when Israeli attacks ripped along the Bekaa, an AFP photographer said.
Two other people, a man and a woman, died when the southern village of Kafra was bombarded, police said.
Warplanes lobbed more than 400 missiles and bombs overnight on Khiam in the south, a security official told the state news agency ANI. Four UN monitors were killed when their observation post in the border town was destroyed by Israeli bombardment on Tuesday.
In air raids to the east of Sidon, the regional capital of the south, one person was seriously wounded in the village of Zefta, police said. A home was destroyed in Bazalieh to the north of Baalbek in the Bekaa.

A Lebanese military source said Israel also carried out a raid early Thursday near an army base in the Amchit region, 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Beirut, without causing any casualties.
Israeli rockets caused a fire at a radio communications centre, the source said.
On Wednesday, as the war between the Jewish state and the Shiite militants of Hezbollah entered its third week, three people were killed as Israel pounded south Lebanon, including two guerrillas, and 12 people wounded. Since the start of the Israeli offensive on July 12, more than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon. Most have been civilians; 29 were Lebanese troops or police

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 08:13 AM

Middle East crisis: Future scenarios

By Paul Reynolds
World affairs correspondent, BBC News website
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Now that the Rome conference on Lebanon has ended without a decisive move towards settling the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, it is worth looking at what might happen next.

DIPLOMATIC SETTLEMENT

The Lebanese government and Hezbollah would agree to implement Security Council resolution 1559.
This resolution, passed in September 2004, called for the disbanding of all militias in Lebanon and the extension of Lebanese government authority to all parts of the country. Hezbollah would move out of south Lebanon and the Lebanese army would move down to the border with Israel. The idea is that this would remove the source of conflict.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41933000/jpg/_41933134_lebwomen203.jpg
Lebanese women refugees from Israeli bombing

Both Israel and Hezbollah would accept a ceasefire and the agreement formalised in a new Security Council resolution.
An international force would be deployed in the border area at least until the Lebanese army arrived.
Getting agreement on the mandate, size and deployment of such a force is not going to be easy. It would replace an existing UN force, Unifil, which has been monitoring events but not influencing them since 1978.
The Israelis might maintain a self-declared "buffer zone" for a time, but any settlement would have to see an Israeli withdrawal.
Some kind of deal would be done to resolve the original trigger for this war, the capture of two Israeli solders by Hezbollah. Israel wants their unconditional release. Hezbollah says they were taken to be exchanged.
Lebanon also wants Israel to leave a strip of land known as the Shebaa Farms at the foot of Mount Hermon, but the UN has ruled that this land belongs to Syria and that its future should be decided by Israeli-Syrian negotiations.

STALEMATE

Under this scenario, the Israeli military effort to remove Hezbollah fighters from south Lebanon gets bogged down and Hezbollah refuses to pull back or reach any agreement with the Lebanese government. Fighting continues.
This would leave Israel far short of its aims. There would be domestic political fall-out in that great ambitions were laid out for this conflict.
A stalemate in which Israel was making little headway might also be interpreted as "Israel loses", in that it did not achieve its goals.

Already the Israelis have found the going tougher than they might have expected. The terrain - mountainous, rocky, and full of caves, gullies and ravines - is ideal guerrilla country and the Israelis cannot use their armoured forces there easily.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41933000/jpg/_41933102_israelwoman203.jpg
Israeli woman and children flee Hezbollah rocket attack

It is therefore conceivable that the Israelis will not achieve the decisive victory they seek.
If that happened, the fighting could go on indefinitely to a greater or lesser degree. Israeli bombing could continue in an attempt to cut off Hezbollah reinforcements moving south.

Hezbollah could continue firing rockets from north of any Israeli-controlled zone.
The civilian suffering would go on and people might not be able to return to normal lives on both sides of the border.

Israel could establish control over a self-declared "buffer zone" along the border and just stay there. There would be stalemate, with continuing confrontations and fire fights with the potential of the conflict erupting again at any time.

ISRAEL DECLARES SUCCESS

Israel would go on until it reckoned it had achieved success. It might or might not announce a ceasefire but it would in practice hand over southern Lebanon to an international force and withdraw. In due course, the Lebanese army would deploy to the border. Israel would declare victory against Hezbollah, though it would probably not get its two captured soldiers back.

THE WAR WINDS DOWN

It is possible that at some stage the Israelis will announce they have achieved their main aims through bombing and the removal of Hezbollah from the border. There might be no ceasefire but the bombing would stop or be reduced. Hezbollah might respond by stopping its rocket attacks. There might be occasional incidents.
This would leave issues unresolved however, including that of the missing Israeli soldiers. Israel will not exchange them for the prisoner Hezbollah wants most, Samir Qantar, who attacked a block of flats in Nahariha in 1979, killing a father and his daughter. The only prisoner release Israel says it will engage in is one through the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

WIDER ISRAELI INVASION

Israel might decide to step up its ground attacks, for example, after a Hezbollah attack on cities further south.
In 1978, the Israelis invaded up to the Litani River some 20km (12 miles) north of the border and in 1982 they went all the way to Beirut. They did not leave south Lebanon until 2000.
Their aim in those operations was to remove Palestinian fighters, from whom Hezbollah has taken over.
It is possible that the Israelis will decide to expand their currently quite limited ground attacks into the kind of big operation carried out in 1978. An attack on Tyre on the coast would be considered as Hezbollah has been firing rockets from around Tyre.
However, all this would leave Israel in occupation and under constant harassment and attack. It would not be the long-term solution they seek. If they simply left again, Hezbollah would move back in.

THE CONFLICT ESCALATES OR SPREADS

The intensity of the fighting might increase. Hezbollah might extend its attacks to other cities. Israel might step up its bombing and ground operations.

If this happened, tensions would rise all round.
The Lebanese government, product of an uneasy alliance between Lebanon's various populations, and in which Hezbollah sits with reforming elements from the Cedar Revolution, has held together.
But it could fall apart if the pressure is not eased and some solution does not become apparent, especially to the suffering of civilians. Hezbollah could emerge the stronger.

The fighting could develop into a new Jihadist front, drawing in fighters from elsewhere.
Hezbollah's supporters, Syria and Iran, could get drawn in.
Syria which has lost power in Lebanon over the last couple of years could be tempted to regain influence there. The sidelined issue of Iran's nuclear programme could come to the fore again and become a diplomatic and economic confrontation with the West if tensions increased. The solution to the issue depends on understanding and confidence and this has been badly damaged by this crisis.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5217882.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 08:17 AM

Q&A: Middle East crisis

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41931000/jpg/_41931608_john_simposon_iraq203.jpg

BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson is in Jerusalem and Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen is in Beirut reporting from the different sides of the conflict.

Here, John Simpson answers some of your questions on the crisis.

Click here to read Jeremy Bowen's response to more of your questions (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5217118.stm)

Q: What are the most likely outcomes of this conflict, and who is set to gain/lose from these scenarios?
Declan Dunleavy, London

In my experience, these things rarely turn out as the planners hope. I suspect there'll eventually be a fudged truce, which will bring secret relief to both sides. But there's no doubt about the long-term winner, right across the Middle East: it's militant Islam.

Q: Isn't there a United Nations force stationed in southern Lebanon? What is its mandate, and has it accomplished its mission, or even anything substantial?
Gary Westmoreland, Schuyer, Virginia, USA

Unifil (UN Interim Force in Lebanon) has been stationed in southern Lebanon for 28 years, but the great powers prevented its having any serious mandate. As a result it has had to stand by helplessly and watch while groups attack Israel from Lebanon and Israeli forces fire across the border or invade. It can be dangerous work, as the killing of the 4 UN workers by Israeli shellfire shows, but it is also thankless.

Q: Would you agree that there can be no diplomatic solution for the foreseeable future, as both Israel and Hezbollah hate each other and are each determined to destroy the other as long as they have enough weapons? Robert, Sussex

The only real solutions come when two sides realize they can't succeed any other way and have to agree. But that doesn't mean diplomacy has no function. Now it would be a real diplomatic achievement if Israel and Hezbollah can be separated far enough so that Hezbollah's rockets can't reach Israel, and Israel gets its two kidnapped soldiers back. Any agreement broader than that is going to have to wait.

Q: Do you detect any sentiment within the Israeli government to help rebuild Lebanon after the destruction meted out by their military forces?
Chris, St Annes

Israel understands the importance of a strong, prosperous Lebanon but while Lebanon is weak, divided and incapable of defending its own borders it offers a real temptation to other countries to get involved.
The best thing for Lebanon would be for outsiders to leave it alone and allow it to rebuild itself, and for the big powers like the US and the EU to make sure that happens.

Q: Do you agree that none of this would have happened if everyone had at least given the democratically elected Hamas a chance, instead of refusing to talk with them and cutting off funds as soon as they were elected?
Jon Duke, Durham

The questions of Hamas and Hezbollah are really entirely separate. Even if Israel had accepted Hamas as a properly elected negotiating party, Hezbollah (which is almost wholly Shi'ite and has close links with Iran and Syria) would still have pushed for a confrontation with Israel, and Israel would have responded as it has.

Q: I've recently heard it said that should Syria become directly involved in the conflict, there's a possibility of World War III breaking out - what's the foundation for this comment, and is the involvement of Western forces a real possibility?
Justin Gyphion, Cardiff

Whatever happens, there won't be a third world war along the lines of the previous two. The world doesn't fight its wars like that any more. If there were open fighting between Syria and Israel, it's conceivable that other countries in the region and other forces might get drawn in. Even so the US, Britain, France and so on would all stay clear of it as best they could. None of this is the fundamental problem for the West though; that comes from the anger of ordinary Muslims in a dozen or more countries, who feel the West is against them and sides with their enemies.

Q: Is it correct that Hezbollah is firing these rockets from densely populated residential areas, and do you think they have support for this in these areas?
Leslie, Oslo

Hezbollah stores its rockets in densely populated areas, with the willing agreement of those who look after them, but they usually (though not always) fire them from open areas away from towns and villages. Having travelled round southern Lebanon many times, I have no doubt that Hezbollah has a great deal of support in these areas.

Q: In your view, reporting from the hothouse of the Middle East - where every comment, choice of visual coverage, reporting nuance and even on-screen gesture is analysed - in the digital age (with bloggers and instant comment etc) has become easier? Or more difficult?
Eamonn O'Neill, Innerleithen, Scotland

Good question. It's easier to report the news fast nowadays, but the danger of that is that you lack the time to prepare everything you say with the old degree of care and attention.
The bloggers, who have no restraints themselves, do indeed interpret everything you say and do from the perspective of their own views and prejudices, so there is far more criticism and complaint than ever before. The only thing to do is keep on trying to get it as right and as honest and as objective as possible, and hope that the large number of people who are honest and objective themselves will appreciate it.

Q: In your opinion, could the USA force Israel to a ceasefire and to negotiate further, by threatening to withdraw the billions of aid it gives annually to Israel?
Shaun, Geneva

I doubt if it would work with anything like this, when Israel thinks its vital interests are at stake. In the past, when US governments have warned that they wanted Israel to behave as the US would like in exchange for all the American aid Israel gets, Israel has continued on its way - and appealed to pro-Israeli feeling in the US for support. It's worked every time.

Q: How international do you foresee this conflict becoming? What would cause Syria or Iran to become militarily involved, and do you think such involvement will happen?
Andrew Matthews, Calgary

Syria is desperate not to get involved, and Iran feels it's pretty safe to carrying on doing what it's doing. Both countries support Hezbollah strongly, though they both deny the Israeli accusation that they are involved in the day-to-day campaign against Israel.
The US will do everything it can to stop the fighting spilling over, though it would like to see Iran humiliated by the defeat of Hezbollah, and Syria neutralized.

Q: How will this issue pan out and what are its long term effects on the Middle East like the nuclear program of Iran?
Srinivas Reddy, India

At some stage there will be a truce, with international troops keeping Hezbollah away from the border areas of Lebanon. I suspect, though, that the Americans won't find that Iran will be humiliated, as they hope, and that Iran will continue to be a big and perhaps growing regional power.

Q: What do you think is required to bring peace to the Middle East?
Robert Foedisch, Seattle

Little question, big answer. There are different types of peace. One is the type where former enemies realize their best interests lie in friendship and unity, like France, Germany and Britain. That's out of the question for Israel and its neighbours at present. Another is a tacit agreement to co-exist without open warfare. That is the usual state of affairs in the Middle East, though at present it has broken down.
In the long run what is required is the feeling on all sides that there is more to be gained from co-operating than from fighting; but with such huge religious and ideological differences at present, that isn't going to come any time soon. In fact the success so far of Hezbollah and the support it's getting from ordinary Muslims around the world mean that it's even further off now.

Click here to read Jeremy Bowen's response to more of your questions (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5217118.stm)

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5216708.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 08:20 AM

Multilingual debate: Middle East crisis

A very interesting multi-national/multi-lingual outlook on the current conflict [DW58]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41905000/jpg/_41905664_beirut_afp_203i.jpg

The Middle East has been plunged again into crisis.

Readers from the BBC's language sites have been discussing whether the international community is doing enough to help solve the crisis.
"The UN should have acted a long time ago."
Stuart, UK

More comments from
BBC News website (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#english)

"The involvement of Iran and Syria in this conflict has had a destructive effect."
Ahari, Switzerland
More comments from
BBCPersian.com (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#persian)

"I say to fellow Arabs stop this cowardice and submission."
Hassan Fawaz, Lebanese in Kuwait

More comments from
BBCArabic.com (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#arabic)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif"In my opinion there was a provocation from Hezbollah."
Inam-u-rehman, USA

More comments from BBCUrdu.com (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#urdu)

"The war is inevitable. There are too many contradictions between Israel and Arab countries."
Vladimir, Russia

More comments from BBCRussian.com (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#russian)

"I don't think a peace force would have any effect. "
Juan Antonio, Chile

More comments from BBCMundo.com (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#mundo)

BBC NEWS WEBSITE

The UN should have acted a long time ago. The UN did not force Israel out of its illegal occupation of Lebanon or Gaza, this was done through force by Hezbollah and Hamas. The rest of Arab land will not be freed by the West which refuses to pressure Israel to abide by UN resolutions or international law. The Arabs have little choice but to continue to struggle for their lands and rights until a power emerges capable of bringing about a just solution.
Stuart, UK

It is time for the UN to be called in to monitor the border between the fighting countries. Innocent lives are being lost every day, creating generation after generation of people growing up with nothing but hatred. We need to have a neutral force involved in monitoring the borders and keeping a firm hand on both factions.
Zain Shakur, Hamilton

What are other Arab states doing to help Lebanon? Nothing so far as I can tell. This is the typical response to Israeli military aggression. When are Arab states like Jordan, Egypt or Saudi Arabia going to find the backbone to pressure Israel to stop this madness? I think the international community have shown equal cowardice by not standing up to Israel and its partner, the United States for the atrocities we are seeing.
J Kira, Vancouver, Canada

Until Israel accepts UN resolutions and pulls back to internationally agreed borders there will never be peace. Although I don't agree with terrorist organisations, I think both Hezbollah and other Palestinian organisations are actually freedom fighters battling against a long term occupier who has significantly more backing and capability. If Iran and Syria help them to level the playing field a little, then maybe that's a good thing in the long term.
Mark, Northampton

The only possible solution to this increasingly dangerous situation would be an international UN force separating the fighting parties. Armed forces would be capable of entering Lebanon when its soil is used to fire rockets at Israel, and capable of stopping the Israeli air raids. Very nice proposal on paper, but how can this be realised in the field? Israel will never tolerate being partially under UN control...
Linn van Berlaer, Brussels, Belgium

Return to the top (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#top)

BBCPERSIAN.COM

I wish all sides of the Middle East conflict and their supporters would understand that this conflict can't be resolved by any kind of military action. This crisis can only be ended by the isolation of the extremist warmongers and a fair and peaceful settlement.
Ebrahim Khatami, New Zealand

The resistance of the Palestinian and Lebanese people is a legitimate move against the occupation of their country. This resistance existed many years before the Islamic Republic was established, at a time when the Iranian government supported Israel. This conflict can only be resolved by Israel ending its occupation.
Abbas, Tokyo, Japan

In my opinion the main cause of the escalation of violence in the Middle East is America's blind support of Israel. The United States' move on Thursday to veto the UN Security Council's resolution, was in fact a green light to Israel. All the accusations against Iran and Syria are only excuses.
Amir, New York

The involvement of Iran and Syria in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has had a destructive effect on the situation in the Middle East and in fact, it has only done harm to the Palestinians. If Iran and Syria stop supporting terrorism, Hamas would be forced to recognise the state of Israel and this would pave the way towards peace.
Ahari, Switzerland

I hate war and bloodshed, but I feel that Israel should wipe out all these terrorists, once and for all.
Hassan, Delhi, India

Return to the top (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#top)

BBCARABIC.COM

I say to fellow Arabs stop this cowardice and submission.
Hassan Fawaz, Lebanese in Kuwait

We want a ceasefire but not at any price. We will endure, and remain steadfast but on condition that the state assumes responsibility for war and peace and for protecting Lebanon, starting in the south of the country. However, if it is just a ceasefire for the sake of a ceasefire at the expense of the authority of the Lebanese state, this will only lead to another war under a different pretext.
Kamel, Dubai

The Arabs are good at talking but not doing. There ARE some who still believe that the USA is the home of civilisation and that it wants us to enjoy democracy. The fact is that if the US and Israel were able to wipe out the Arabs they would have done so. I ask those who want the resistance to disarm, are you capable of protecting Lebanon?
Abu Reda, Lebanese in Kuwait

Why do some regard Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation? Why is it that an Arab or Muslim who defends his Islam and Arabism is regarded as terrorist, but state terrorism supported by occupation forces is self-defence?
Akram, London, UK

There is no room for anyone who is critical of Israel. The staggering hypocrisy by the West and the Arab submissiveness will only succeed in creating a thousand Bin Ladens, which no one wants to see. Hassan Nassrallah is the last bastion of resistance against Israeli terrorism and the extremism of the US administration.
Murad Ayoub, Tunis

Return to the top (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#top)

BBCURDU.COM

Every Government talks about terrorism and they say that every country is against terrorism. But they know very well what the causes of all these incidents are. Instead of spending so much on increased security why they don't they cut the roots from which terrorism grows? Everybody wants to fight terrorism but nobody wants to stop Israel. How can you end terrorism in this way? Without solving the issues of Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, Chechnya you can't get rid of terrorism. G8 should react quickly.
Nazim Awan, Spain

No one can blame Israel for this act of self defence. Hezbollah and Hamas crossed into Israel and kidnapped her soldiers. Any country in the world including Pakistan would do what Israel has done. Hezbollah and Hamas have created states within their states and are only bringing suffering and misery to the people of Palestine and Lebanon. Specifically Hezbollah is acting as a puppet of Iran who wants the world community to be distracted from her nuclear programme. For the first time in recent history Israel is on strong moral ground and for this reason there is no condemnation of Israeli operations.
Hadi Jaffar, Newcastle, UK

Where are the people who think they can define what terrorism is? Killing innocent civilians, blocking all forms of transport in and out of the country and stopping daily life is not terrorism but a war against terrorism. When are people going to look at the world with their own eyes? Where are the people who want peace in the world?
Khwaja Umair, London, UK

I think the UN has failed in its objectives. Therefore there is no longer any reason for its existence. Arab countries should see that. Why is Israeli barbarism supported by the United States using its veto in the Security Council ?
Yaser Khattak, Nowshehra, Pakistan

As long as Muslim countries are weak militarily, scientifically and educationally and continue to be ruled by western stooges, nothing will change. So establish good educational and research institutions, build up your military might and then challenge Israel or any other country. Until that time, keep your head down and work hard.
Ali, Virginia

The US is keeping silent on Israel's actions and only saying that the rockets being fired by Hezbollah into Israel were made in Iran. No one is talking about the fact that the bombs being used by Israel, were probably made in USA. So who decides which side is right and which one is wrong? Many people are also amazed how the Lebanese Government is silent on this whole issue. It is apparent that Lebanon wants to curtail Hezbollah.
Inam-u-rehman, Washington

Return to the top (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#top)

BBCRUSSIAN.COM

I support the UN position in the anti-military resolution that was blocked by the USA. The war has already begun. Both military and civil targets are being destroyed. In my opinion, it is obvious that the politicians are not able to cope with the situation, and the UN's engagement is the only way to deal with it.
Yaroslav Evtihiev, Moscow, Russia

The situation is very complicated. And if we do not stop the war now it will develop into a global crisis. Civilian people are innocent victims and the pro-Syrian president of Lebanon should give way to young and modern leaders who will be able to develop the country and to set up friendly relationship with all neighbours. Let's live in peace!
Natalia, Ukraine

I support Israel. Lebanon and Palestine get what they deserve because they support terrorism. Yes, there might be a war but what can you do if diplomacy fails?
Max, Russia

There's not the slightest doubt that the actions of the Israeli government are meant to appease the situation in the country and form a basis for creating a Palestinian state. But it is impossible to foresee how the situation will evolve in the future. There's only one thing we can be sure about - Israel will never be the same state before the evacuation from Gaza.
Erzy, Poland

Of course it's up to the Israelis how to deal with the Palestinians. Of course it's desirable for neighbours to be friendly. But leaving your home and your land like this, leaving your home you spent several years building with your own hands, leaving your friends and neighbours, is horrible. I feel sorry for the people that are being thrown out and I'm not sure whether this sacrifice will lead to peace either.
Svetlana, Russia

Return to the top (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm#top)

BBCMUNDO.COM

They should sit down and negotiate, can't they see that ordinary people are the ones who carry all the weight of the ones who are destroying themselves?
Validimir, USA

I don't think a peace force would have any effect. This is not a problem of territories, it is a religious and historic problem without a solution.
Juan Antonio, Santiago de Chile, Chile

How much land is going to be enough for there to be peace in Israel?
Elymar Solorzano, San Jose, Costa Rica

The international community is not doing anything to stop the attacks by just condemning them. The UN has to make more effort to stop the conflict and not spend ten days talking so that more civilians die and Israel gets what it wants without any sanctions. The solution is in the hands of the Arab League. It cannot allow these hostilities to occur. It is the people who suffer, not the governments. Israel is killing people and it is acting like a victim. There must be justice.
Paul Anka, Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Both sides have to have good will, which is something that is missing. The provocations from both Hamas and Hezbollah have to stop, this conflict has too many roots and will not be solved with the creation of a peace force, as Blair and Annan say. The reality is that you have to get to the bottom of the problem: the Muslim world should accept the existence of Israel, and Israel should respect the rights of Muslims to live with them.
Ramon Diaz, Miami, USA

I don't think the UN is in a position to get involved. The UN must not judge, it must mediate. The UN must, in a peaceful way, convince both sides that civilians must never be subjected to violence. This must be done in first place, and then it should force (through reason, not arms) both sides to have a dialogue.
Jesus Mari, Vitoria, Spain

I don't think the UN has or has had the capacity to respond to these type of conflicts. This has been seen in Iraq and in the Balkans. I think once again we are facing the triumph of savagery over countries who show themselves as democratic, tolerant, and respectful of the sovereignty of the states. Governments like the US and Israel attack defenceless people, civilians suffer on both sides, and who benefits?
Hugo Cancinos, Buenos Aires, Argentina

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5194826.stm)

Abu_Elvis

07-27-2006, 09:11 AM

Nasrallah in Damascus, al-Zawahri threatens with attacks in weastern coutries over lebanon and gaza

Hizbullah head Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah is currently in Damascus, the Kuwait based a-Siasa newspaper reported Thursday. Nasrallah was apparently taken to Damascus by Syrian intelligence for a series of meetings.

According to the report, Nasrallah is scheduled to meet with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani and perhaps with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Meanwhile, al-Qaida's no. 2 leader on Thursday warned that the terrorist group would not stand idly by while "these (Israeli) shells burn our brothers" in Lebanon and Gaza.

In a taped message broadcast by al-Jazeera television, Ayman al-Zawahri, second in command to Osama bin Laden, said al-Qaida now saw "all the world as a battlefield open in front of us."

The Egyptian-born physician said Hizbullah and Palestinian fighting against Israel would not be ended with "cease-fires or agreements."

"The war with Israel does not depend on cease-fires ... . It is a Jihad for God's sake and will last until (our) religion prevails...from Spain to Iraq," al-Zawahri said. "We will attack everywhere."

Al-Zawahri wore a gray robe and white turban. A picture of the burning World Trade Center was on the wall behind him along with pictures of two other terrorists.

The Arab satellite broadcaster appeared not to have transmitted the entire tape, using instead selected quotes interspersed with commentary from an anchor.

"The shells and rockets ripping apart Muslim bodies in Gaza and Lebanon are not only Israeli (weapons), but are supplied by all the countries of the crusader coalition. Therefore, every participant in the crime will pay the price," al-Zawahri said.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292012439&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 09:28 AM

Voices from Iran and Syria

The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice has warned Hezbollah's main allies, Syria and Iran, that they face isolation unless they try to halt the war in Lebanon.

A Syrian who supports Hezbollah, and an Iranian who does not, discuss the group's role in the conflict.

HALA, 27, CIVIL ENGINEER, HAMA, SYRIA

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41935000/jpg/_41935676_gdsyrianflag_203.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/66a.gif I support Hezbollah. Not for religious sectarian reasons, but because Hezbollah symbolises Arab resistance. This is what is lacking from the Arab scene.
Israel always blames Syria and Iran for all the problems in the region because these are the two countries that stand in the face of Israel and try to resist it.
Compared with Israel, Hezbollah has limited international support. But it does have lots of support among real people within Syria.
Israel has the backing of the international community, especially the USA. So why don't Arab countries rally round Hezbollah seeing as Israel already has the support of the world's major powers?
If the current stand-off continues Syria may get attacked. US forces could come across the border from Iraq, because they are already there.
As I see it, there are two possible ways this conflict could go.
The temporary one is that Hezbollah continues its attacks and keeps on fighting.
The more permanent solution is that the Arab countries cut off oil to the west and open up their borders so people from Arab countries who want to go and fight can do so. http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/99a.gif

BAHMAN, SCIENCE TEACHER, TEHRAN, IRAN

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41935000/jpg/_41935680_iranflag_203.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/66a.gif I am no great fan of Hezbollah. Yet the West's ****ouncements on this current crisis shock and anger me.
Are Bush, Rice and their patsy Blair so foolish to believe what they say when they place all the blame on Hezbollah, Syria and Iran?
Blame naturally is on both sides, but Israel as the more powerful player carries more responsibility for the entire Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Hezbollah, while having its own agenda for prisoner exchange, was also reacting to Israeli actions in Gaza.
Hezbollah's popularity and strength are linked proportionally to Israel's policies and use of violence in the region.
Here in Iran we do get tired of Ahmedinejad's constant banging on about Israel and his pathetic statements about the Holocaust.
But Israel's horrific actions in Lebanon, its repeated disregard for Muslim and Christian Arab civilians has served to harden popular opinion. Israel is viewed as barbaric, oppressive and racist.
If Israel made serious moves towards peace in the Middle East, groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah would not find domestic support for violent acts. But as long as Israel kills and imprisons as it wishes, these groups will find people willing to fill their ranks. And I can't say I blame them. http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/99a.gif

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5219680.stm)

I know this may cause annoyance, but don't even dream of flaming! [DW58]

Snoshi

07-27-2006, 09:51 AM

Hizbullah writes off Israeli reports of dozens of fighters killed as ‘psychological warfare’ but top IDF official insists: We have documents attesting to these numbers. Meanwhile, Hizbullah fighters killed in Bint Jbeil brought to Israeli forensic institute to be identified
Avi Cohen

A number of bodies of Hizbullah operatives who were killed during combat against IDF troops in south Lebanon were transferred Thursday to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir. With the aid of military personnel, the institute identified the bodies.

Other than the few bodies taken by IDF troops to the forensic institute, it is doubtful that anyone knows the precise number of Hizbullah operatives killed thus far. A senior military official said that by Tuesday, before the deadly confrontations in Bint Jbeil, at least “many dozen Hizbullah members” had been killed.

Casualties brought to Abu Kabir (Photo: Avi Cohen)

“We have documents attesting to these numbers, and it is likely that as the ground fighting continues, the number of Hizbullah casualties will rise,” he said, noting that senior Hizbullah staff leaders, but apparently no political leaders, were killed on the battlefield.

Hizbullah tries to paint different picture

Hizbullah, however, was exerting diligent efforts to paint a different picture. In his most recent speech Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah was seen practically pleaded to his men and the Lebanese people not to believe Israeli media reports on death tallies, because Israel was waging "a psychological war packed with lies."

Forensic Institute: Handling the bodies (Photo: Avi Cohen)

“I am stressing to you – we don’t hide the number of our dead. If a large number of our men are killed – we wouldn’t hide it but on the contrary we’d be proud of it. Like in Maroun a-Ras. We said there was a battle and we didn’t hide it. You must listen to us and not to the enemy’s psychological warfare,” he said.

Nasrallah’s words were published shortly after Mahmoud Komati , deputy chief of the Hizbullah politburo, told AP Tuesday that Hizbullah had incurred only 25 casualties. Hizbullah releases very limited information on its dead and their identities.

Although no reports have been made of Hizbullah casualties from the political echelons, it should be noted that since the outbreak of the fighting the IDF targeted the private homes of top leaders, including that of the organizations spiritual leader Sayeed Hassan Fadlallah, and the Hizbullah headquarters in Beirut.

Roee Nahmias contributed to the report.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3282230,00.html

Clarsachier

07-27-2006, 11:40 AM

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Security&loid=8.0.325255750&par=0

Jakarta, 27 July (AKI) - The continuing Israeli military offensive against Lebanon could radicalise large numbers of young Indonesians, driving them into the arms of radical Islamists, such is their anger, experts interviewed by Adnkronos International (AKI) fear. The experts warn against possible attacks on Western targets in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation inhabited by 200 million Muslims.

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 11:50 AM

ed316

07-27-2006, 12:46 PM

Gaza soldier release 'imminent'

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says a deal is "imminent" to free an Israeli soldier held for more than a month by militants in the Gaza Strip.

Cpl Gilad Shalit, 19, was seized in an attack on an Israeli military post near Gaza on 25 June.
Israel has since launched regular air strikes and military incursions into the Gaza Strip in an effort to force his release. About 140 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed in the violence

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5221710.stm

daily666

07-27-2006, 12:47 PM

I'm not sure if it's relevant but according to BREAKING NEWS on CNN the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit is imminent according to palestinian chief negotiator Saeb ERAKAT. He said he's alive and well.

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 12:56 PM

daily666

07-27-2006, 01:00 PM

News stories with links to verify, or not at all please.

I'm not sure if it's relevant but according to BREAKING NEWS on CNN the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit is imminent according to palestinian chief negotiator Saeb ERAKAT. He said he's alive and well.

http://www.cnn.com/ Main page.

I saw it on TV live, they didn't put the newsalert yet on their site. It was a phone interview with Palestinian negotiator. I got the message.

signatory

07-27-2006, 01:45 PM

I'm not sure if it's relevant but according to BREAKING NEWS on CNN the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit is imminent according to palestinian chief negotiator Saeb ERAKAT. He said he's alive and well.

Soldier's Release Denied

Updated: 17:05, Thursday July 27, 2006
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1229066,00.html

The armed wing of the militant group Hamas has dismissed reports that an abducted Israeli soldier is about to be freed.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had said the soldier's release could be "imminent".

Speaking in Rome, Mr Abbas said: "With regards to the issue of the abducted Israeli soldier, I have reiterated that there are ongoing efforts that lead us to believe in an imminent solution."

"Nothing has changed in the case of the Israeli soldier," said Abu Ubaida, official spokesman for the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades.

"The file remains in the hands of the resistance factions and not in the hands of any politician even if that politician is Abu Mazen," Ubaida said, using Abbas's nickname.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said it was "premature" to say the soldier - Corporal Gilad Shalit, 19 - was about to be released.

Shalit's capture in a bold cross-border raid on June 25 touched off a fierce Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Zerodivider

07-27-2006, 02:46 PM

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13535034,00.html

'Lebanese Death Toll 600'
Updated: 18:04, Thursday July 27, 2006

Up to 600 people have been killed in Israel's continuing bombardment of Lebanon, the government has said.

The combined air assault and artillery barrage is showing no sign of letting up after 16 days.

Israeli troops have also launched a number of limited ground operations inside south Lebanon.

In return, Hizbollah guerrillas are continuing to fire rockets into northern Israel.

The latest barrages landed in Safed, Rosh Pina and Shlomi.
Israeli security officials said one rocket had also hit a chemical plant in Kiryat Shemona.

Hizbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to take the war deeper into Israel, suggesting there could be strikes south of Haifa.

Analysts say use of longer-range missiles would almost certainly trigger a massive Israeli retaliation.

The Shi'ite militia group has now fired over 1,400 rockets into northern Israel since the conflict erupted earlier this month.

Major-General Udi Adam, a top Israeli officer, warned the bombing campaign would continue for "several more weeks".

In other developments, the United States is said to have given Israel a green light to continue its assault on Lebanon by not calling for an immediate ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has warned Iran and Syria they face further isolation if they try to "torpedo" efforts to end the fighting on Israel's terms.

With anger in the Arab world mounting over the Israeli offensives in Lebanon and Gaza, al Qaeda has issued a call for Muslims everywhere to take up arms.

Over 50 Israelis have died since the conflict began, sparked by Hizbollah kidnapping two Israeli soldiers.

:(

lemmenZrecon

07-27-2006, 02:57 PM

Can somebody help me with a presentation of the equipment in use by the IDF?

FDFCorporal

07-27-2006, 03:09 PM

UN Confirms Finnish Death; Other Finns to Stay in Area

The United Nations has confirmed that a Finn was among the unarmed military observers killed by the air raid on a UN base in Khiam Tuesday night. Other Finnish peacekeepers will remain in the area.

The Finnish Defence Forces have yet to issue their own confirmation. Three bodies have been recovered from the rubble and identified, but the search for the fourth had to be temporarily delayed for safety reasons. Three others – from Canada, China, and Austria – were also killed.

Finland's Chief of Defence, Admiral Juhani Kaskeala, says that Israel's bombing of a UN base in Lebanon will not directly affect the work of other Finnish peacekeepers in the area.

A missile struck a shelter head-on where the four UN observers were taking cover.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has demanded that Israel investigate the quote "apparently deliberate targeting" of a U.N. post.

According to the general headquarters of the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish man was a military observer in Khiam, an area which is said to strongly support the activities of Hizbollah.

RIP :-(

http://www.yle.fi/news/left/id39335.html

He219

07-27-2006, 03:20 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/He219/dailypix/30768582.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/He219/dailypix/30780785.jpg
So much for politcal correctness ...
;)

Dronetek

07-27-2006, 03:44 PM

http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Diplomacy/8958.htm

UNIFIL officer killed in bombing: Hezbollah used position for cover
By Israel Insider staff and partners July 27, 2006
Contrary to claims by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that Israel's bombing of a structure of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon was "apparently deliberate", evidence from a Canadian U.N. observer, one of four killed at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese town of Khiyam Tuesday, had written that Hezbollah fighters were "all over" the U.N. position, using it for cover. The terrorists were Israel's target by "necessity," the deceased observer said.

A senior U.N. peacekeeping operation official, who refused to be identified, claimed that on the day the deaths occurred, the only "known Hezbollah activity was 5 kilometers away." The undersecretary-general for peacekeeping operations, Jane Holl Lute, supplied the Security Council with information more ambiguously. "To our knowledge, unlike the vicinity of some of our other patrol bases, Hezbollah firing was not taking place within the immediate vicinity" of the base that was hit Tuesday.

Canadian retired major-general, Lewis MacKenzie, former commander of the Canadian UN observer, Major Paeta Hess-von Kruedener, told CBC radio that the now-deceased officer had sent email to him, "describing the fact that he was taking fire within, in one case, three meters of his position" in what Hess-von Kruedenersaid was "for tactical necessity -- not being targeted,'" MacKenzie said.

In one such e-mail, obtained by The New York Sun (http://www.nysun.com/article/36860?page_no=1), Hess-von Kruedener wrote about heavy IDF artillery and aerial bombardment "within 2 meters of our position." The Israeli shooting, he added, "has not been deliberate targeting, but has rather been due to tactical necessity."

The correspondence between the trooper and former commander amounted to "veiled speech in the military," Mr. MacKenzie, who once commanded the U.N. troops in Bosnia, told the CBC. "What he was telling us was Hezbollah fighters were all over his position and the IDF were targeting them, and that's a favorite trick by people who don't have representation in the U.N. They use the U.N. as shields knowing that they cannot be punished for it."

A spokesman for the peacekeeping operation department, Nicholas Birnbach, told the Sun yesterday that when the U.N. official told reporters that there was no Hezbollah activity within three miles of the U.N. camp, she was referring only to the Monday incident and not to the time period of several days earlier described in the UNIFIL observer's e-mail.

Birnbach, however, declined to produce a UNIFIL report that would back up Ms. Lute's assertion that there was no Hezbollah activity in the immediate vicinity of the post, which was manned by three other observers beside Hess-von Kruedener, the Sun report continued.

Annan and the peacekeeping official yesterday said they now "accept" Prime Minister Olmert's conveyance of regret over the incident. They also said they accept Mr. Olmert's characterization of it as a "tragic mistake," the official said. Ms. Okabe, however, told the Sun yesterday that Mr. Annan would not retract his assertion that Israel deliberately targeted the post.

Israel's deputy U.N. ambassador, Daniel Carmon, told the Sun, however, that while the IDF would welcome "any U.N. input," it did not intend to launch a joint investigation. "We will conduct a thorough investigation and inform the U.N. of the results in detail," he said.

http://www.nysun.com/article/36860?page_no=1

Annan's Claims On Casualties May Unravel
By BENNY AVNI - Staff Reporter of the Sun
July 27, 2006

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http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/836/1131/1149281872/adv.247realmedia.com/RealMedia/ads/Creatives/2binteractive/Tm-026/ (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/) UNITED NATIONS — An apparent discrepancy in the portrayal of events surrounding the deaths of four unarmed U.N. observers in Lebanon threatens to unravel Secretary-General Annan's initial accusation that Israel "deliberately" targeted the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon.A Canadian U.N. observer, one of four killed at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese town of Khiyam on Tuesday, sent an e-mail to his former commander, a Canadian retired major-general, Lewis MacKenzie, in which he wrote that Hezbollah fighters were "all over" the U.N. position, Mr. MacKenzie said. Hezbollah troops, not the United Nations, were Israel's target, the deceased observer wrote.

A senior U.N. peacekeeping operation official who briefed the press yesterday, however, said that on the day the deaths occurred, the only "known Hezbollah activity was 5 kilometers away."The official's briefing was conditioned on anonymity, but the undersecretary-general for peacekeeping operations, Jane Holl Lute, supplied the Security Council with similar information at an earlier briefing yesterday.
"To our knowledge, unlike the vicinity of some of our other patrol bases, Hezbollah firing was not taking place within the immediate vicinity" of the base that was hit Tuesday.
Based on reporting by the U.N.'s peacekeeping chief, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Mr. Annan alleged in Rome Tuesday that the incident was an apparent "deliberate targeting by Israeli Defense Forces of a U.N. Observer post in southern Lebanon." Although Mr. Annan began to backtrack yesterday, his spokeswoman, Marie Okabe, said he stood by the accusation.

I'm not surprised that CNN and MSNBC are not reporting this. Foxnews just had a story on it.

Roy Batty

07-27-2006, 04:13 PM

The Canadian UN observer killed in Lebanon this week was a dedicated peacekeeper who taught other soldiers his skills, say military officials from his Canadian Forces Base in Kingston, Ont.

Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener was one of four observers killed on Tuesday in southern Lebanon. The Canadian and three others, from Austria, China and Finland, had taken cover in a bomb shelter under a building marked as a UN post.

Hess-von Kruedener, known as Wolf to his friends and colleagues, was an eager soldier with many friends, said Capt. Bernard Dionne, a public affairs officer on the Kingston base.

"He was actually an instructor here not too long ago, so we've known him well," Dionne said. "We're certainly close as well to his family, through this difficult time."

Over his career, the Canadian soldier served as a UN observer in Cyprus, the democratic republic of Congo and Bosnia.

A soldier who guided others

In recent years, Hess-von Kruedener taught soldiers the skills needed to be a UN military observer at the Peace Support Training Centre in Kingston.

Last October, he joined the UN truce and supervision organization. His latest mission was slated to end in three months.

Hess-von Kruedener, believed to be in his forties, lived in the west end of Kingston with his wife Cynthia. He also leaves behind two grown children, a stepson and a daughter from his first marriage.

Maj.-Gen. Stuart Beare, who visited family members Wednesday, said they were under emotional strain but were responding stoically.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has suggested that Israel deliberately targeted the UN post, but Prime Minister Stephen Harper dismissed the accusation.

Harper has said his government intends to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident.

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2633/vonkruedenerhesscp1679842tr2.jpg
www.cbc.ca

RIP

He219

07-27-2006, 04:16 PM

:-(
RIP

Related: Hezbollah uses UN posts as shields (http://www.canada.com/cityguides/halifax/info/story.html?id=b4923801-9def-4606-af6a-bc5eea30b89b)

Roy Batty

07-27-2006, 04:29 PM

He did send an email to a website saying it was not safe to do regular patrols. Rest In Peace Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener. If the Hezbollah are indeed using the UN posts as shields, they will have to pay it back by blood. Allah will find them and punish them.

But who will punish those who killed the good Major?....likely nobody.
Rest easy Major. Victoria Patrica

His e-mails are here: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060718/mideast_lebanon_UN_060716/20060718/

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 04:33 PM

I have added the thread about the Canadian UN observer to this news thread. Please keep this thread as news and do not add personal commentary. I have the greatest respect for this officer and his fallen colleagues.

Thanks.

Jaguar

07-27-2006, 05:21 PM

Israel's New Battle Plan: Grinding It Out
The siege of Bint Jebel shows how Israel has learned that, despite its overwhelming technological superiority, it has to fight Hizballah on its own terms — in prolonged and messy ground battles
By TIM MCGIRK/JERUSALEM

In Hebrew, the word 'Merkava' means chariot, and the Israeli tank known as Merkava 4, is a mighty, steel-plated chariot of war. But in the stony hills of southern Lebanon, in battles where stealth is more valued than firepower, the chariot is reduced to being an ambulance, ferrying wounded commandos back across the border. And even then, the tank is proving to be less than invincible.

On Monday, two tanks were dispatched to pick up Israeli soldiers wounded in the siege of Bint Jebeil, a town used by Hizballah Islamic militants to spray the northern corners of Israel with rocket fire. The town also has symbolic value to Hizballah; it was here in 2000 that Hizballah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah proclaimed victory after Israeli troops withdrew from Lebanon. The sheikh' s jeering remarks had riled the Israeli generals, so they didn't need any extra motivation this week when Bint Jebeil, its tunnels and caves stocked with rockets and over 100 Hizballah fighters, turned into a major target of the theirs.

As the two tanks came rumbling back with their wounded cargo, they came under fire. A missile blasted one of the Merkav 4s, killing a soldier and injuring a battalion commander. The second ran over a large explosive device planted by Hizballah that is identical to those used to such devastating effect against U.S. armored forces in Iraq. The force of the blast flipped over the 65 ton tank, killing the vehicle's commander and injuring three other crew. Earlier in the 12-day ground offensive, the Israelis had lost another tank to a hidden mine, killing four men.

Israel may have a technological superiority over Hizballah, but in the hide-and-seek dynamic of a guerrilla war, tanks and air strikes aren' t always enough. Some Israeli military officers are worried that the war is being waged the way the guerrillas want, dragging the Israeli Defense Forces into prolonged and messy battles on alien turf. Early on, the Israeli plan was to launch swift punches on the militants' rocket-launching positions and then to withdraw. But Hizballah began to play the game by their rules, drawing the Israeli troops into lengthy ambushes in places where their vaunted 21st century war machine was of little or no use. Not only were the guerrillas masters of the terrain, but they were equipped with top-of-the line anti-tank missiles. The first hard lesson was dealt to the Israelis in a hilltop village known as Maroun al Ras, just 500 meters from the Israeli border. What was intended as a lightning blow by the Israelis turned into a three-day slugfest.

Early on, the Israelis were reluctant to send lots of troops into the fray; Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wanted to keep down casualties and reassure the international community that Israel had no intention of grabbing real estate in Lebanon. And, according to military sources, the Israelis also lacked on-the ground intelligence, so they under-estimated Hizballah' s strength and its determination to punch it out. Despite the Israeli offensive, Hizballah still managed to sling over 2,000 rockets onto Israel.

But after the toll rose to 23 dead and 80 wounded, the IDF had learned their lesson. When it came to a ground offensive, big was better. No longer would they rely on small bands of commandos to flush Hizballah out of their trenches and underground hideouts. By Tuesday, the third day of the offensive, over 5,000 troops were called in to lay siege to Bint Jebeil, most of whose 30,000 Shi'ite inhabitants had long since fled. Facing that kind of full-scale onslaught, Hizballah's fighters have no choice but to flee by night or fight it out. "There is still fighting going on," an army spokesman told journalists on Tuesday. "I can't say we are in total control of the village yet."

With its large army and its overwhelming firepower, Israel will eventually pry the Hizballah militants off the Lebanese border. The problem is it could take weeks, or longer. In recent days, a note of caution has crept into the soundbites of various Israeli military officers. Gone are the boasts that Hizballah will be hammered into oblivion. Instead, they're urging diplomacy and calling for the presence of a robust international peace-keeping force along the border to halt Hizballah's rocketmen. Meanwhile, as casualties rise, many of Israel' s formidable chariots of war are being pressed into ambulance service.?

http://www.time.com/time/world/printout/0,8816,1218814,00.html

gilgoul

07-27-2006, 06:04 PM

Well, I can at least agree with you on one thing. The UN should never have allowed Hezbollah all the way down to the border in 2000. For a force designated to be a buffer between 2 warring parties, that was a recipe for disaster.

For all that it hurts me, and I have buddies who served in UNIFIL, and told me from their point of view of the situation they witnessed, here is the testimony of the canadian peace keeper who paid with his life this terrible situation :

Annan's Claims On Casualties May Unravel

BY BENNY AVNI - Staff Reporter of the Sun
July 27, 2006
URL: http://www.nysun.com/article/36860

UNITED NATIONS — An apparent discrepancy in the portrayal of events surrounding the deaths of four unarmed U.N. observers in Lebanon threatens to unravel Secretary-General Annan's initial accusation that Israel "deliberately" targeted the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon.

A Canadian U.N. observer, one of four killed at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese town of Khiyam on Tuesday, sent an e-mail to his former commander, a Canadian retired major-general, Lewis MacKenzie, in which he wrote that Hezbollah fighters were "all over" the U.N. position, Mr. MacKenzie said. Hezbollah troops, not the United Nations, were Israel's target, the deceased observer wrote.

A senior U.N. peacekeeping operation official who briefed the press yesterday, however, said that on the day the deaths occurred, the only "known Hezbollah activity was 5 kilometers away."The official's briefing was conditioned on anonymity, but the undersecretary-general for peacekeeping operations, Jane Holl Lute, supplied the Security Council with similar information at an earlier briefing yesterday.

"To our knowledge, unlike the vicinity of some of our other patrol bases, Hezbollah firing was not taking place within the immediate vicinity" of the base that was hit Tuesday.

Based on reporting by the U.N.'s peacekeeping chief, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Mr. Annan alleged in Rome Tuesday that the incident was an apparent "deliberate targeting by Israeli Defense Forces of a U.N. Observer post in southern Lebanon." Although Mr. Annan began to backtrack yesterday, his spokeswoman, Marie Okabe, said he stood by the accusation.

Mr. MacKenzie, who after retiring from the Canadian military became a politician, had a very different interpretation. "I happen to know" the now-deceased Canadian U.N. observer, Major Paeta Hess-von Kruedener, Mr. MacKenzie told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in a radio interview yesterday.

"We've received e-mails from him a few days ago and he was describing the fact that he was taking fire within, in one case, three meters of his position ‘for tactical necessity — not being targeted,'" Mr. MacKenzie said he wrote.

In one such e-mail, obtained by The New York Sun, Hess-von Kruedener wrote about heavy IDF artillery and aerial bombardment "within 2 meters of our position." The Israeli shooting, he added, "has not been deliberate targeting, but has rather been due to tactical necessity."

The correspondence between the trooper and former commander amounted to "veiled speech in the military," Mr. MacKenzie, who once commanded the U.N. troops in Bosnia, told the CBC. "What he was telling us was Hezbollah fighters were all over his position and the IDF were targeting them, and that's a favorite trick by people who don't have representation in the U.N. They use the U.N. as shields knowing that they cannot be punished for it."

A spokesman for the peacekeeping operation department, Nicholas Birnbach, told the Sun yesterday that when the U.N. official told reporters that there was no Hezbollah activity within three miles of the U.N. camp, she was referring only to the Monday incident and not to the time period of several days earlier described in the UNIFIL observer's e-mail.

Mr. Birnbach, however, declined to produce a UNIFIL report that would back up Ms. Lute's assertion that there was no Hezbollah activity in the immediate vicinity of the post, which was manned by three other observers beside Hess-von Kruedener.

Mr. Annan and the peacekeeping official yesterday said they now "accept" Prime Minister Olmert's conveyance of regret over the incident. They also said they accept Mr. Olmert's characterization of it as a "tragic mistake," the official said. Ms. Okabe, however, told the Sun yesterday that Mr. Annan would not retract his assertion that Israel deliberately targeted the post.

Mr. Annan and Ms. Lute yesterday welcomed Mr. Olmert's announcement that Israel would launch an investigation, which "we believe should be done jointly with the United Nations," Ms. Lute said.

France's U.N. ambassador, Jean-Marc de la Sabliere, who holds the Security Council presidency, said yesterday he too would like to see a joint investigation, which he said would be beneficial to Israel, adding credibility to the results.

Israel's deputy U.N. ambassador, Daniel Carmon, told the Sun, however, that while the IDF would welcome "any U.N. input," it did not intend to launch a joint investigation. "We will conduct a thorough investigation and inform the U.N. of the results in detail," he said.

The council yesterday attempted to agree on a statement on the deaths of the U.N. observers, but the American ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, objected to any condemnation of Israel. Mr. Bolton also warned against using the incident as a "backdoor way of getting a cease-fire or other larger political and military questions," he told reporters.

Mr. Annan has called for "immediate cessation of hostilities." During yesterday's council briefing on the UNIFIL incident, Ms. Lute said, "I reiterate" that call.

July 27, 2006 Edition > Section: Foreign

Source : http://www.nysun.com/pf.php?id=36860

saigonsmuggler

07-27-2006, 06:27 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/27/mideast.diplomacy/index.html

CNN reporting:

France, Italy, Turkey and Norway show a willingness to join an international peacekeeping force for Lebanon, according to diplomatic sources familiar with discussions at Wednesday's emergency Mideast summit in Rome.

Maybe we'll see Leclerc's in action in S. Lebanon.

Kaplanr

07-27-2006, 06:40 PM

Wounded troops describe Bint Jbail battle as 'hell on earth'

By Nir Hasson and Tomer Levi, Haaretz Correspondents

Wounded soldiers who took part in heavy combat Wednesday on the outskirts of the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbail recounted their experiences from their hospital beds at Haifa's Rambam Medical Center, which received 22 of the wounded casualties of the battle.

"They suffer mostly from shrapnel and also from penetration of bullets," said Dr. Micky Hilbertal, who runs the emergency room where the soldiers are hospitalized. "Most of the injuries are in the limbs, a few of them are in the chest and stomach."

Hilbertal said the most similar experience he can recall when he was required to treat this many wounded was during the first Lebanon war. "[Back then], helicopters landed here almost non-stop," he said, noting that Rambam is working in full emergency mode.

The wounded soldiers described the battle as a bitter one which took place in a built-up setting, one where enemy forces had organized a well-planned ambush. Soldiers faced gunfire from any and all directions.

"They shot at us from 180 degrees," said one of the soldiers. Most of the dead and seriously wounded are those from the initial wave of ground troops which tried to enter one of the homes in Bint Jbail. The soldiers who suffered light wounds are primarily those who arrived on the scene to retrieve the bodies of the dead and wounded soldiers lying in the battlefield.

Some of the wounded were in an open field and others behind walls as well as inside homes. Sergeant Tzachi Duda suffered light injuries in his leg due to shrapnel.

"The battle began at 3:30 at night," he said. "Ten minutes after the first clash, we arrived to help. There was heavy fire from rocket launchers, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades. I provided cover fire for soldiers who tried to reach the wounded, and this went on for hours. Eventually, a missile hit the yard where I was standing. I was thrown back along with the wall which I was hiding behind. In my lifetime I never expected to see bodies and people with bullets in their chest."

Sergeant Ohed Shalom was wounded while attempting to recover a soldier's body which was lying behind a steel door.

"We tried to go in and break through the door but we didn't succeed," he said. "When I shot at the door, they saw me and shot in my direction."

Shalom, who sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg, said the soldiers did all in their power to prevent Hezbollah gunmen from reaching their comrades' bodies.

The soldiers also recounted feats of heroism displayed by their friends. "They carried soldiers on stretchers while simultaneously shooting at terrorists," Shalom said.

"It was hell on earth," Corporal Lior Sharabi said. "People risked their lives not only for the wounded but also for the dead bodies."

Sharabi added that Hezbollah fighters demonstrated impressive combat capabilities. "They are strong fighters, not like us, but better than Hamas," he said.

One of Hezbollah's most troublesome position from which it fired upon soldiers was the towering mosque in the village.

"There were maybe 30 terrorists [in the mosque]," Shalom said.

Staff Sergeant Avraham Dajan was hit in his arm by shrapnel. "They fired from all directions, we tried to get to the wounded," he said. "As I was about to throw a grenade, I got hit by shrapnel. After I was hurt, I couldn't do anything. I saved myself."

Some of the wounded soldiers spoke of face-to-face clashes with Hezbollah operatives. However, none of the soldiers gave first-hand accounts of such incidents. The soldiers, who serve in the 51st battalion of the Golani infantry brigades, said their stay in Lebanon extended to three consecutive days, during which they managed very little sleep.

"We lived in one of the houses and about every hour or so we would wake up out of fear that someone had entered the house," Shalom said. "Every once in a while, we would move from house to house."

"Even after a day like this, the morale is higher," said Ram Boneh, a 20-year-old resident of Hadera who was lightly wounded by shrapnel. "I want to go out and return to active duty."

"At 12:30, [Boneh] called and told us he was in Rambam and that we shouldn't worry," Boneh's mother, Heska, said. "We came here immediately from Hadera. It's very hard for me [to deal] with what is happening. I'm Dutch and I wasn't educated on the army, and it's very difficult for me to deal with the fact that he's a fighter. But I am with him and I trust him as well as the entire army."

Midav

07-27-2006, 07:18 PM

Syrian reporter: In Syria there is atmosphere of eve of war

Exclusive: In conversation in Damascus, senior Syrian journalist tells about sentiments in Syria ('as if there will be war any moment'); talks about military preparations in his country ('identifying your reinforcements in Golan Heights'); and estimates that Israeli pounding in Lebanon to intensify grassroots support of Nasrallah and his organization. Also in Syria, he says, Nasrallah more popular than ever
Ali Waked

As the conflict with Hizbullah in Lebanon escalates by the day, the question of Syria's involvement in the conflict becomes increasingly more relevant.

"The atmosphere in Syria is in every way an atmosphere of war, or at least of the eve of war. Syrian television for the first time since the '80's has started broadcasting Syrian military marches and nationalistic songs. There is not difference between Syrian television broadcasts and Al-Manar broadcasts of the Hizbullah. The broadcasts are in preparation for war, as if Syria is involved in this war, or is going to be involved at any moment. The local newspapers and the television are conducting themselves as if they are preparing the Syrian public for war."

These comments were made by a senior Syrian journalist in a telephone interview from Damascus. It isn't easy these days of war that they don't have there, to convince a Syrian to accept an interview with the Israeli media, even when we're not there. One must remember that each side has his messages to transmit. And yet, the picture sketched by this senior journalist reveals the great concern in Damascus about the operations of Israel – and definitively paints a picture of preparedness for war. A conversation with an interviewee beyond the Golan.

Rest can be read here (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1811308)

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 07:25 PM

Al-Qaeda 'to avenge Israel deeds'

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41935000/jpg/_41935800_zawahiri_203body.jpg
The message may be al-Qaeda's first comment on the conflict
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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifAl-Qaeda broadcast (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

Al-Qaeda's deputy leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has said in a video the militant network will respond to attacks on Muslims in Lebanon and Gaza.

The video was broadcast by Arabic television station al-Jazeera.
Al-Qaeda could not remain silent in the face of a "Crusader war" and now saw "all the world as a battlefield open in front of us", he said.
Events in Lebanon and Gaza showed the importance of the battle in Afghanistan and Iraq, he added.
"The war with Israel is not about a treaty, a ceasefire agreement... It is rather a jihad for the sake of God until the religion of God is established. It is jihad for the liberation of Palestine, all of Palestine, as well as every land that was a home for Islam, from Andalusia to Iraq," he said.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif We cannot just watch these shells as they pour wrath on our brothers in Gaza and Lebanon and sit back in submission http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Ayman al-Zawahiri

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Excerpts: Zawahiri comments (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5220204.stm)

"As they attack us everywhere, we will attack them everywhere. As they have joined forces to fight us, our nation will unite to fight them.
"The shells and rockets which are tearing the bodies of Muslims in Gaza and Lebanon are not purely Israeli. They are produced and financed by all the countries of the Crusader alliance.
"Therefore, all those who have taken part in the crime must pay the price. We cannot just watch these shells as they pour wrath on our brothers in Gaza and Lebanon and sit back in submission." The statement is thought to be the first comment by al-Qaeda on Israel's offensive in Lebanon.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5220162.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 07:27 PM

Abbas hints at Gaza captive deal

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41814000/jpg/_41814600_shalit_203afp.jpg
Gilad Shalit was the gunner on a tank when it was attacked

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says a deal could be "imminent" to free an Israeli soldier held for more than a month by militants in the Gaza Strip.

Cpl Gilad Shalit, 19, was seized in an attack on an Israeli military post near Gaza on 25 June.
The armed wing of militant group Hamas swiftly rebutted Mr Abbas' comments.
Israel has launched regular air strikes and military incursions into the Gaza Strip to try to force the soldier's release, killing 140 Palestinians.
One Israeli soldier has also been killed in action.

Denial

Mr Abbas spoke in Rome at a news conference with the Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.
"I told the prime minister that as far as the question of the abducted Israeli soldier is concerned efforts are undergoing continuously that lead us to believe that the solution will be imminent," he said.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Efforts are being exerted but I wouldn't jump to any premature conclusions at this stage http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Saeb Erekat
Palestinian negotiator

But a spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas, the faction that dominates the Palestinian legislature, said: "Nothing has changed in the case of the Israeli soldier," ******* news agency reported.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat also played down Mr Abbas' comments, suggesting that they had been taken out of context.
"I do not think that the president meant to say that the release was imminent. Efforts are being exerted but I wouldn't jump to any premature conclusions at this stage," he told CNN.
Cpl Shalit was abducted when Palestinian militant groups launched a surprise joint assault on an Israeli army position at Kerem Shalom, just outside the Gaza Strip. Two soldiers were killed in the attack, and Cpl Shalit was seized and taken back into Gaza.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5221710.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-27-2006, 07:29 PM

US rejects weapon flight concerns

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Guided bomb units were carried on two chartered planes, it is claimed

The White House has dismissed UK concerns about the use of Prestwick Airport, in Scotland, by US planes carrying bombs to Israel.

"Apparently, the British foreign minister thinks the paperwork was not in order," said spokesman Tony Snow.
"The Department of Defense does," he added. "We'll get it straightened out."
UK Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett protested to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, claiming procedures were ignored.
Mrs Beckett said: "We have already let the United States know that this is an issue that appears to be seriously at fault, and we will be making a formal protest if it appears that that is what has happened."
Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that two chartered Airbus A310 planes with a cargo of laser-guided "smart bombs" stopped at Prestwick, 30 miles south of Glasgow in western Scotland.
The Israelis have requested the munitions to attack bunkers being used by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

'Ill-advised'

Opposition parties reacted angrily, with Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond claiming the UK government should decide whether to "be an aircraft carrier" for the US.
Mr Salmond said that "with an escalating Middle East conflict", it was ill-advised to send bombs "to arm one side in that conflict to the teeth".

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif There's embarrassment about the fact Britain might have been used as a staging post and annoyance at the fact procedures don't appear to have been followed http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Gordon Corera, the BBC's security correspondent

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Analysis: Strained relations (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5219588.stm)

This was especially true "at a time when hundreds of civilians, many children, United Nations observers, have already been eliminated, killed, by similar weapons", he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell suggested the Americans were taking the UK for granted.
"Who knows how many of these munitions may be used to cause the kind of damage to Lebanon which the prime minister of that country described in Rome as cutting his country to pieces," he said.
According to BBC Two's Newsnight programme, the US has lodged requests to bring two more planes through the UK carrying bombs and missiles for Israel over the next fortnight.
Asked whether Britain was uncomfortable about such shipments, Mr Snow replied: "I'm not sure that's the case, because these sorts of things have happened before and probably are going to happen again.
"I would be careful not to read too much into it," he said, and promised to "find out what's going on".

'Embarrassment'

A Foreign Office spokesman insisted there were "procedures in place for flights carrying arms.
"It's important that they are followed. If they are not, we will raise it with the US but we are not going to comment on US flights transiting through the UK.
"The foreign secretary has discussed this issue with Condoleezza Rice."
Gordon Corera, the BBC's security correspondent, said there was "clearly some concern within the Foreign Office".

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Mr Snow promised to "find out what's going on" with the flights

"There's embarrassment about the fact Britain might have been used as a staging post and annoyance at the fact procedures don't appear to have been followed.
"'Disquiet' was the word one official used to me but for that, read real annoyance," he told the BBC's One O'Clock News.
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority said it followed a series of procedures set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation "to facilitate the international movement of civil aircraft".
These "apply to everyone who may be involved in putting or taking dangerous goods on an aircraft", its website stated.
Countries must "hold permission to carry dangerous goods" and submit to "audit-style inspections" to "check for compliance".
If insufficient information was supplied then all available evidence would be gathered to try to inform the originating state "so that action can be taken there", it said.
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority was unable to confirm whether it had been informed of the contents of the flight to which Mrs Beckett referred.
A Downing Street spokeswoman refused to comment on the matter, saying it was being dealt with by the Foreign Office.
The US State Department said it would not respond either, while Strathclyde Police insisted the matter was "for the owners of the airport and/or central government", as long as "no offence has been committed".

Criticism

Prestwick has supplied logistical aid for military flights since the Second World War in "moving troops and cargo", an airport spokesperson said.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif There are times, such as the past two weeks, when a British prime minister should have been thinking less about private influence and more about public advocacy http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Sir Stephen Wall

"That support involves allowing crew to rest, refuelling aircraft and providing food and water.
"The airport is obliged to allow aircraft from any CAA-registered country to land here."
Meanwhile one of Tony Blair's former foreign policy advisers has criticised the prime minister's approach to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
"There are times, such as the past two weeks, when a British prime minister should have been thinking less about private influence and more about public advocacy," Sir Stephen Wall wrote in the New Statesman. "Could the Prime Minister really not speak up for the simple proposition that the slaughter of innocent people in Lebanon, and the destruction of their country and the ruin of half a million lives, were wrong and should stop immediately?"

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5221782.stm)

frenchy

07-27-2006, 09:10 PM

UN observer: Hizbullah using us as shields

Six days before he was killed by IDF fire, Canadian observer Major Paeta Hess-von Kruendener sent an email to his former commander at the Canadian army, in which he said that Hizbullah members were "running around in our positions" and using the post as a shield against Israeli attacks.

The soldier wrote that the IDF's strikes in the days before his death were "necessary" and made it clear that "this has not been deliberate targeting." The former commander, Major-General Lewis MacKenzie told of the letter in an interview to a Canadian radio show. (Ynet)

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/1,7340,L-3282572,00.html

khukuri

07-27-2006, 11:35 PM

shocker1

07-28-2006, 12:46 AM

http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1207wmv&ak=null

Following are excerpts from a news report on Iranian volunteers to Lebanon, which aired on Al-Alam TV on July 26, 2006:
Reporter: Far away from the resounding speeches and the political propaganda, these Iranian men chose to put words into action. They are all university students who have gathered here, in Tehran, under the title of "the Justice Movement of the Students," in order to go to Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, and join the ranks of the resistance there. It is noteworthy that this movement operates with no governmental support. It is a voluntary movement par excellence. They hope that the Turkish authorities will allow them to pass into Syria, and from there into Lebanon.
Amin Jalili Nejad, secretary of the Justice Movement of the Students: This is a popular movement, which receives support from no one. Our goal is to stand by our brothers in Lebanon and Palestine. I believe that we will gather more volunteers on our way to the Turkish border, which we will reach tomorrow.
Reporter: Everyone you meet here tells you that they face geographical difficulties, but you can feel the collective sense of responsibility towards their religion, and towards their Lebanese and Palestinian brothers.
Sahil Taqvi, volunteer and computer engineer: We love martyrdom, and are ready to go to Lebanon and Palestine empty-handed, to help the resistance, whether by giving it aid or even by martyrdom.
Reporter: Each one has his own way of expression. The venue today is the U.N. offices in Tehran. Dozens of Iranians have gathered, demanding that the international community take action to achieve a cease-fire and to protect the civilians in Lebanon and Palestine.
Mahdi Chamran, head of Tehran City Council: The humanitarian mission of the U.N. and the Security Council is to protect human rights everywhere. But we do not see any sign of this role in Lebanon, and this casts doubts on the international credibility.
Reporter: Some of them had more than doubts, and they accused some powers of participating in the attack on Lebanon.
Demonstrator: We can see how all the global forces are helping Israel to attack a nation which is armed only with the weapon of faith.
Reporter: Between a political demonstration such as this, and another, which insists on true participation in the battlefield, the popular Iranian position is to support the resistance, in theory and in practice. "The living martyrs" - this is what they call themselves. Their journey is a long one, as they know full well. Nevertheless, they are coming to the aid of their brothers in Palestine and Lebanon, according to the principle: "He who helps his brother, Allah helps him."
http://memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=1207

NimDod

07-28-2006, 05:03 AM

http://www.coxandforkum.com/

July 27, 2006
Global Jihad

http://www.coxandforkum.com/archives/06.07.27.GlobalJihad-X.gif

From CNN: Al Qaeda: War with Israel is 'jihad'.

Al Qaeda's No. 2 leader issued a worldwide call Thursday for Muslims to rise up in a holy war against Israel and join the fighting in Lebanon and Gaza until Islam reigns from "Spain to Iraq."
In a taped message broadcast by Al-Jazeera television, Ayman al-Zawahiri said the terrorist organization would not stand idly by while "these (Israeli) shells burn our brothers.

"All the world is a battlefield open in front of us," said the Egyptian-born al-Zawahiri, second-in-command to Osama bin Laden.

"The war with Israel does not depend on cease-fires ... . It is a Jihad for the sake of God and will last until (our) religion prevails ... from Spain to Iraq," al-Zawahiri said. "We will attack everywhere." Spain was controlled by Arab Muslims until they were driven from the country at the turn of the 16th century.

Al-Zawahiri declared that Arab regimes were complicit in Israeli fighting against Hezbollah and the Palestinians.

"My fellow Muslims, it is obvious that Arab and Islamic governments are not only impotent but also complicit...and you are alone on the battlefield. Rely on God and fight your enemies...make yourselves martyrs."

From AP: Iranian volunteers set off for Lebanon.

Surrounded by yellow Hezbollah flags, more than 60 Iranian volunteers set off Wednesday to join what they called a holy war against Israeli forces in Lebanon. ...
Iran says it will not send regular forces to aid Hezbollah, but apparently it will not attempt to stop volunteer guerrillas. Iran and Syria are Hezbollah's main sponsors. ...

"We are just the first wave of Islamic warriors from Iran," said Amir Jalilinejad, chairman of the Student Justice Movement, a nongovernment group that helped recruit the fighters. "More will come from here and other Muslim nations around the world. Hezbollah needs our help."

Military service is mandatory in Iran and nearly every man has at least some basic training. Some hard-liners have more extensive drills as members of the Basiji corps, a paramilitary network linked to the powerful Revolutionary Guard.

Other volunteers, such as 72-year-old Hasan Honavi, have combat experience from the 1980-88 war with Iraq.

"God made this decision for me," said Honavi, a grandfather and one of the oldest volunteers. "I still have fight left in me for a holy war."

The group, chanting and marching in military-style formation, assembled Wednesday in a part of Tehran's main cemetery that is reserved for war dead and other "martyrs."

They prayed on Persian carpets and linked hands, with their shoes and bags piled alongside. Few had any battle-type gear and some arrived in dress shoes or plastic sandals.

Some bowed before a memorial to Hezbollah-linked suicide bombers who carried out the 1983 blast at Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 241 U.S. servicemen. An almost simultaneous bombing killed 56 French peacekeepers. ...

"We cannot stand by and watch out Hezbollah brothers fight alone," said Komeil Baradaran, a 21-year-old Basiji member. "If we are to die in Lebanon, then we will go to heaven. It is our duty as Muslims to fight."

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 05:54 AM

Right so there are only two threads allowed on the situation over there and one of them is locked while this one is not a "discussion thread". I guess discussion of this subject is not allowed around these parts or am I incorrect?it has been stated a thousand times now that this is not a discussion thread!!!!! read the first page

wtf is wrong with people. i see some users keep posting discussion inputs agan after being told! some of us only want to read the latest reports. why cant that be accpeted?!

See here (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1812239#post1812239) To post commentry on the current situation in Israel/Lebanon.

Please - try and get it right now, it's not exactly rocket science - keep this thread for NEWS ONLY.

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 06:06 AM

UN 'shock' at Lebanon bomb deaths

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Israel has apologised over the death of the UN peacekeepers

The UN Security Council has expressed "shock and distress" at the deaths of four of its peacekeepers in an Israeli bombing raid in Lebanon this week.

It follows nearly two days of talks in which the US resisted China's calls for sterner condemnation of Israel.
About 600 Lebanese civilians had died since the conflict began more than two weeks ago, the health minister said.
Some 51 Israelis - 18 of them civilians - have been killed by the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah.
The Lebanese minister, Mohammad Khalifeh, said roughly one-third of the country's dead were believed to still be buried under buildings bombed by Israel.
Overnight into Friday morning, Israel says it struck another 130 targets across Lebanon.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of instigating the violence, after it captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid on 12 July.

UN clash

The UN Security Council released a policy statement - which has less force than a resolution - expressing dismay at the deaths of the peacekeepers after days of fierce debate.

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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
Bint Jbeil: Militant stronghold (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5221086.stm)

US opposition resulted in a final draft that was significantly different to the version first put forward by China and other countries.
Calls for a joint Israeli-UN investigation into the peacekeepers' death were dropped, as was any direct condemnation of a "deliberate attack against UN personnel".
Israel's UN ambassador, Dan Gillerman, welcomed the council's "fair and balanced" statement.
Israel has apologised for the deaths of the peacekeepers, who were bombed on Tuesday at their base in southern Lebanon, saying it was an accident.
UN officials said they contacted Israel a dozen times before the bombing, asking them to stop firing, which Israel did not.
China, which lost one of its peacekeepers in the bombing, had been pushing for a harsher condemnation of Israel but the US opposed this.

Beijing's envoy to the UN, Wang Guangya, said in an apparent swipe at the US that members of the Security Council "had to respect each other" and said Washington's stance could have a "negative impact" in the long term.
Mr Wang warned that a Security Council discussion of Iran's alleged nuclear capability, scheduled for Friday, would also be difficult.

Israeli shift

Israel is continuing its bombardment of Lebanon more than two weeks into its campaign, which has seen hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced.
But our correspondent in Jerusalem, Katya Adler, says there is growing concern in Israel that Hezbollah is still firing large numbers of missiles into northern Israel.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifLEBANON TWO WEEKS ON
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41934000/jpg/_41934930_afp203bodycomfort.jpg
Three airports bombed
62 bridges destroyed
Three dams and ports hit
5,000 homes damaged

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Damage in maps (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5218106.stm)
Economy reels (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5209502.stm)

Few in Israel still speak of being able to neutralise Hezbollah, she says - instead Israel aims to destroy its infrastructure as much as possible.
She says the Israeli government's announcement that it is calling up three divisions of reservists, said to number between 15,000 to 40,000, suggests it is preparing for the possibility of a protracted war.
A statement from an Israeli cabinet meeting said their deployment would only come after an "additional" approval.
Ministers also said current military activities would remain unchanged - despite apparent pressure from the military establishment to step up ground operations. Defence Minister Amir Peretz said Israel's military operation would continue until a secure border strip was set up where Hezbollah could not return to.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222890.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 06:08 AM

History repeats with a vengeance

BBC correspondent Jim Muir, who has been reporting the current conflict from the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre, has covered the upheavals in Lebanon since the original crisis erupted there in 1975.

In the first of a two-part series, he looks at how this round of violence compares with - and was borne out of - previous conflicts.

When Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982, the initial pretext - reflected in the codename given to the operation, Peace for Galilee - was to push PLO guns about 40km (25 miles) back from the border, beyond range of northern Israel.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41938000/jpg/_41938172_israelsoldier203b.jpg
Israel hoped to establish a friendly government in Beirut in 1982

The goal sounds familiar today, as Hezbollah rockets hail down on Israel's northern cities.
But the real agenda of then-Defence Minister Ariel Sharon in 1982 swiftly became clear, as Israeli forces raced to Beirut and besieged an Arab capital for the first time.
It was far more ambitious: to decapitate the Palestinian movement by destroying the PLO, to eject Syrian troops from Lebanon, and install a friendly government in Beirut which would make peace with Israel.
The Israelis failed to destroy the PLO, but succeeded in squeezing it out. Yasser Arafat and his fighters were obliged to evacuate on ships and be taken off to Tunis.
But even that was a pyrrhic victory. Yasser Arafat ended up returning to his homeland and died as President of the Palestinian Authority.

Iran and Syria

Israel's other goals were foiled by a banding together of its strategic regional foes - Syria and Iran.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif There is little sign so far that Hezbollah has been operationally affected http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif

In 1982, Lebanon's majority Shia community - fed up with paying the price for Palestinian guerrilla adventures against Israel - initially welcomed the Israeli intervention.
But its increasing resentment against the continuing Israeli occupation provided fertile ground for Iran and Syria to encourage the formation of a vehicle that was to prove both deadly and effective in driving the Israelis out: Hezbollah, which did not exist before the invasion.
Using suicide bomb attacks and other tactics, Hezbollah joined other Syrian-backed groups in expelling the Multi-National Force (MNF), which had intervened to take over from the Israelis in the Beirut area.
It is a sobering thought for any country considering joining the proposed international force for the south Lebanon border zone.
The MNF, led by the US and including French, Italian and British contingents, pulled out in 1983 when they found themselves embroiled in a militia war and taking casualties for no clear purpose.
It took 17 bloody years and hundreds of casualties for the Israelis, who had fallen back on a broad border security zone, run by their local proxies the South Lebanon Army (SLA), to draw the same conclusion.
In 2000 they pulled out, and the SLA collapsed literally overnight. Hezbollah moved forward into the border zone unopposed.
Now, following Hezbollah's massively provocative cross-border raid on 12 July in which eight Israeli soldiers were killed and two captured, history is repeating itself - but with many differences.

Mission impossible?

Israel has launched a stunningly violent attack on Lebanon with flexible but wide-ranging political ambitions, which are partly tied up with the perception that it is fighting part of its American partner's "war on terror".

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Civil war could erupt if the Lebanese army fought Hezbollah

It would like to destroy Hezbollah and its leadership, or at a minimum, to see it disarmed and pushed beyond missile range of Israel, with either the Lebanese Army or some kind of international "enforcement" troops taking its place in the border zone.
But destroying Hezbollah is not possible. It is deeply rooted in Lebanon's biggest community. In alliance with the more moderate Shia movement Amal, it dominates Shia politics.
However hard the Israelis press, Hezbollah cannot be packed onto ships and sent off to Tunis like the PLO.
By inflicting massive damage on Lebanese civilians and the country's infrastructure, the Israelis apparently intended to exert pressure on the Beirut government to curb Hezbollah.
But that cannot work either. Hezbollah's militia is powerful, well-armed and highly motivated - as the Israelis have found to their cost, both now and before they left Lebanon in 2000.
Having been reconstructed under Syrian auspices before Syria's troop withdrawal last year, the Lebanese Army has many Shia in its ranks.
If it were to be sent against Hezbollah it would almost certainly fall to pieces on sectarian lines, as happened in the 1970s and 80s, raising the prospect of a civil war pitting the Shia against the rest.

US 'contradiction'

In contrast to many previous bouts of violence, there has been an extraordinary lack of US restraint on the Israelis, who have this time pursued a course more violent than anything they have unleashed on Lebanon before.
Washington has said nothing as Israeli jets have blasted targets from Beirut international airport to roads, bridges, factories, petrol stations and other non-military targets all over Lebanon, in addition to strikes on civilian areas and vehicles which have taken a heavy toll of life.
The US is caught in a contradiction here. It is committed to the elected, mainly anti-Syrian government headed by Fuad Siniora, who is being visibly weakened daily by the onslaught on non-Hezbollah economic and infrastructural targets.
So that is a tactic that may have already largely run its course and will be increasingly hard to pursue, with rising international concern over the militarily irrelevant damage and casualties it has inflicted, apart from the fact that it is not working.
It is akin to the tactics adopted by Israel in the Palestinian arena, urging Yasser Arafat and later Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to crack down on Hamas and other radical groups, while simultaneously destroying their ability to do so. The result was Hamas' ascendancy.

Unknown outcome

What other options does Israel have?
Despite the massive destruction inflicted on the teeming southern suburbs of Beirut, where the leadership is based, there is little sign so far that Hezbollah has been operationally affected.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41938000/jpg/_41938440_sheikhhassan203b.jpg
Sheikh Nasrallah has threatened to hit deeper inside Israel

Even if the Israelis succeed in their aim of killing the charismatic Hezbollah chief, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, and other leaders, there is no guarantee their deaths would have a functional effect on the conflict.
His predecessor, Abbas Musawi, was killed by an Israeli helicopter strike on his car on a remote road in southern Lebanon in 1992, with no discernible benefit to Israel.
The blitzing of the south has also failed to prevent Hezbollah missiles and rockets raining down on Israel's own civilian population. Hezbollah leaders say they have only used a fraction of their stocks.
In his latest televised message, Hassan Nasrallah has warned that the strikes would be carried beyond Haifa, and then deeper still. All his warnings so far, have been carried out.
With their air strikes apparently unable to silence the missiles, the Israelis resorted to ground incursions, despite a national consensus that Lebanon is a dangerous swamp in which to become mired.
That truism was immediately validated by the results of the incursion so far.
In the battle for the small border village of Maroun al-Ras, the Israelis conceded at least seven of their soldiers were killed. Pushing on to the regional town of Bint Jbeil, they lost even more to carefully-planned Hezbollah ambushes and counterattacks, despite the massive firepower thrown in to support their ground forces.

Border control?

Israeli leaders talk of establishing some kind of security belt along the Lebanese side of the border, an idea tried in many permutations with painful results from the invasion of the south in 1978 until the final withdrawal in 2000.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41938000/jpg/_41938170_lebanonap203b.jpg
Foreign troops would face difficulties controlling southern Lebanon

Unless there is a very significant degradation of Hezbollah's capabilities - at the current rate of progress in the Maroun al-Ras/Bint Jbeil area - it would take Israel many weeks and many scores of military casualties to secure a contiguous strip of any depth along the entire border, far less the entire area up to the Litani River which seems to be the plan.
And if they did, what then?
Israeli officials have suggested they would hand the strip over to a robust international force, with "an enforcement role", as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert put it.
Or to the Lebanese Army, if it can be sent down.
A peacekeeping force with no peace to keep? If there is no ceasefire agreement with political underpinnings, which nation will commit troops to do Israel's fighting for it, to engage Hezbollah in a struggle which the Israelis themselves have not been able to win?
More likely, the Israelis would themselves be left in control of that border strip.
Any fixed presence would clearly act as a magnet for more attacks by Hezbollah and perhaps other Lebanese and Palestinian groups, rallying against a new occupation of Lebanese soil that would further bolster Hezbollah's raison d'etre as a resistance movement.
History repeating itself, again.

Jim Muir's second article will examine how Washington's policy risks bringing about a wider conflict

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222154.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 06:48 AM

Israel hits more Lebanon targets

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41939000/jpg/_41939198_israelibereaved_b203_ap.jpg
Israeli aims are shifting as it meets greater than expected resistance

Israel is continuing its bombardment of Lebanon, carrying out 130 air strikes across the country overnight.

Reported targets included the eastern Bekaa Valley, the southern town of Nabatiya, and roads in the south-east.
About 420 Lebanese, mainly civilians, are confirmed to have died since the conflict began more than two weeks ago.
Some 51 Israelis - 18 of them civilians - have been killed, mostly by rockets fired over the border by the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of instigating the violence, after it captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is flying to Washington for talks with US President George W Bush.
The meeting comes amid growing pressure for the UK and US to join calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
At talks in Rome on Wednesday, the US, UK and regional powers called for a ceasefire with "utmost urgency", but stopped short of calling for an immediate truce.
President Bush has said he wants to ensure peace is lasting, not a "fake peace".

Lebanese convoy

Israel jets pounded targets in Lebanon as its campaign, which has seen hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced, entered its 17th day.

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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
Bint Jbeil: Militant stronghold (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5221086.stm)

A Jordanian man was killed, and at least three others wounded, in one of several strikes on or near the southern market town of Natabiya.
There were multiple strikes in the Bekaa Valley, but the area cannot be reached and there was no word on casualties.
The BBC's Jim Muir, in the southern coastal town of Tyre, encountered a large convoy of refugees who fled the bombardment in the south under the protection of the Red Cross.
Some of the villagers, who had been trapped in their homes for more than two weeks, were hysterical, our correspondent reports. They spoke of horrendous conditions as the shells rained down, with food and water running out as they crouched in their homes in terror.

Shifting aims

In Israel, there is growing concern that Hezbollah is still firing large numbers of missiles into northern Israel.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifLEBANON TWO WEEKS ON
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41934000/jpg/_41934930_afp203bodycomfort.jpg
Three airports bombed
62 bridges destroyed
Three dams and ports hit
5,000 homes damaged

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Damage in maps (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5218106.stm)
Economy reels (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5209502.stm)

Few in Israel still speak of being able to neutralise Hezbollah, our correspondent in Jerusalem Katya Adler says - instead Israel aims to destroy its infrastructure as much as possible.
The Israeli government's announcement that it is calling up three divisions of reservists - said to number between 15,000 to 40,000 - suggests it is preparing for the possibility of a protracted war, she says.
Ministers said current military activities would remain unchanged - despite apparent pressure from the military establishment to step up ground operations.
Defence Minister Amir Peretz said Israel's military operation would continue until a secure border strip was set up where Hezbollah could not return to.

Damascus talks

In other developments, high-level representatives of Syria and Iran were due to meet in Damascus to discuss the crisis.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif The United States needs to stop pretending that Israel is innocent and look at what is happening http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Jeremy Scruggs, Chicago

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Send your comments (http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=2593&edition=2)
Israel press back offensive (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5219950.stm)

Syrian cabinet minister Bouthaina Shaaban said it was no surprise the Rome talks had no real results given the absence of Syria and Iran.
Both countries are accused by the US and Israel of arming Hezbollah.
The minister said while Arab lands were occupied by Israel, "violence is going to erupt". She repeated a Syrian offer of dialogue over the conflict, saying Syria was prepared to use its influence with Hezbollah on certain conditions: a ceasefire in Lebanon first, followed by an exchange of prisoners, and then full discussion of all Arab territory currently occupied by Israel.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223114.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 07:07 AM

Blair set for White House talks

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It is Mr Blair's second visit to the White House in two months

Tony Blair is flying to Washington for talks with President Bush on the crisis in the Middle East.

The meeting at the White House comes amid growing pressure for the UK and US to join calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
It also follows Cabinet anger at claims US planes used a Scottish airport to transport bombs to Israel.
After the White House, the PM will fly on to California to address executives at Rupert Murdoch's News International.
The prime minister first addressed the media group's annual conference in 1995, when he was in opposition.

'Standing by'

Mr Blair and Mr Bush have a packed agenda for their short meeting.
They will discuss Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and the fighting in Darfur, as well as how best to get "free and fair" trade.
But it is the Middle East crisis which is likely to dominate as fighting continues in Lebanon.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Apparently, the British foreign minister thinks the paperwork was not in order - the Department of Defense does http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Tony Snow
White House spokesman

Backbench Labour MPs are increasingly urging Mr Blair to put aside his refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire and there has also been private criticism from inside the Cabinet.
Labour MP Andy Love said: "We are standing by as the carnage unfolds, as larger and larger numbers are displaced we are standing by while innocent people - women and children, UN monitors - [are killed]."
The UK government says it wants to achieve a lasting peace, not something which only stands for a few days.
BBC political editor Nick Robinson said Mr Blair was deeply upset that his opposition to the immediate ceasefire calls was being used to portray him as giving a "green light" to Israeli bombings in Lebanon.

Raising the pace

The prime minister's official spokesman told reporters on Mr Blair's flight to Washington he wanted to "step up a gear".
"We want to increase the urgency, the pace of diplomacy, in identifying the practical steps that are necessary to bring about a ceasefire on both sides - and I stress both sides," he said.
The spokesman said ministers hoped the United Nations would pass a resolution "as early as possible next week" to endorse an international force to go to southern Lebanon once the fighting stopped.
The tempo of talks about putting together the force needed to increase, he said.
And measures were needed to allow the Lebanese government to take control of the whole country, with the militias disarmed - as set out in UN Resolution 1559, he said.

'Poison'

The White House talks also come as the UK's relationship with the US comes under new scrutiny.
The former UK Ambassador to Washington, Sir Christopher Meyer, told BBC News: "The thing we need to get out of this debate, take out of the debate is the notion of the 'special relationship'.
"It completely poisons any objective analysis of the relationship between Britain and America.
"The fact of the matter is, right now in this crisis the United States has only one special relationship with the outside world and that is with Israel."

Arms flights row

This week Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has said she was "not happy" about reports two US-chartered Airbus A310 planes with a cargo of laser-guided "smart bombs" used Prestwick Airport in Scotland.
She has raised the issue with her US counterpart Condoleezza Rice and said she would make a formal protests if the reports proved to be true.
On Thursday, the White House dismissed Mrs Beckett's concerns.
"Apparently, the British foreign minister thinks the paperwork was not in order," said spokesman Tony Snow. "The Department of Defense does," he added. "We'll get it straightened out."

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5222288.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 07:09 AM

Bint Jbeil: Hezbollah heartland

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Bint Jbeil's streets are a cluster of narrow alleys and homes

Nestled in a shallow valley amid rolling hills, the south-eastern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, where eight Israeli soldiers have died in battle, has a strategic value to Israel and a symbolic history for Hezbollah.

When Israel's generals sent infantry forces across the border to engage Hezbollah directly, they knew one of the first major fights would be for the town.
A swift victory in Bint Jbeil - "daughter of the mountain" in Arabic - would have provided a boost for the Israeli campaign.
But long-standing Hezbollah associations with the town ensured the group's men would fight until the end.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif It was a tough day http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Maj Gen Udi Adam
Israeli army

When Israel ended its occupation of southern Lebanon in May 2000, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah chose Bint Jbeil as the site of his first "victory" rally.
He told tens of thousands of cheering Hezbollah followers that the group would continue campaigning for the release of Lebanese prisoners and the return of the Shebaa Farms, which Hezbollah claims as Lebanese territory but the UN has ruled is Syria's.
Six years on, and two weeks into Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah, Bint Jbeil - normally home to more than 20,000 people - returned to the spotlight.

Ambushed

"It was a tough day," Israel's Maj Gen Udi Adam told journalists after his forces lost nine men in one day of fierce fighting, all but one of them in Bint Jbeil.

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Nine Israelis die in Lebanon (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5218926.stm)

Battalion 51 of Israel's elite Golani brigade had arrived in Bint Jbeil after the town was pounded for 48 hours by artillery fire and air power.
Knowing the Israelis would have to pass their way, most of the town's residents had already fled.
But while Israeli commanders had expected Hezbollah resistance - one referred to the area as a "dangerous nest" - it appears guerrillas flocked to Bint Jbeil even as the shells flew in, preparing for the fight ahead.
When Israel's troops arrived in the town's compact, narrow streets, they quickly came under fire from all directions.
The ambush was fierce and deadly: small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank missiles and mortar rounds, according to an Israeli major quoted by the New York Times.
Israel's troops quickly sustained serious casualties, and the nature of their mission changed.
Pinned down by sustained Hezbollah fire, with eight dead and many more injured, Battalion 51 - which reportedly lost nine men in Lebanon in 1996 - spent the next six hours fending off attackers and trying to evacuate their casualties.

Resisting

In the aftermath of the battle, Israel's army talked tough.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937702_afp_wounded203.jpg
Israeli commanders said they knew losses were inevitable

There was praise for the unit that fought in Bint Jbeil, and a constant stress that Hezbollah also sustained heavy casualties. The battalion commander, Lt Col Yaniv Asor, said he was "ready for anything", according to Israel's Ynetnews.com.
But the heavy losses left media commentators divided about whether to intensify the attacks on Hezbollah.
Israel's security cabinet reportedly decided against launching a large-scale ground offensive, with ministers suggesting an intensified use of air power could guard against unwanted casualties on the ground.
On Bint Jbeil's official town website, visitors are greeted by a single-word declaration of intent: "Resisting!" On the ground, the battle for the so-called "capital of the liberated south" seems set to continue.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5221086.stm)

DuDe

07-28-2006, 07:56 AM

Walid Jumblatt - 'Iran testing Israel'

Lebanese leader says Tehran trying out its weapons, intel in Hizbullah conflict

Tehran is using Hizbullah's confrontation with the Jewish state to test the abilities of Iranian weapons and to observe Israeli military capabilities, Lebanon's Druze leader Walid Jumblatt charged in a WorldNetDaily interview yesterday.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3282672,00.html

Snoshi

07-28-2006, 08:46 AM

IAF targets Hezbollah hideouts in south Lebanon

By Ze'ev Schiff and Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies

Israel Air Force warplanes fired more than 30 missiles at suspected Hezbollah hideouts in hills and mountainous areas in southeastern Lebanon Thursday night and Friday. The day before, the IAF scored a direct hit against Hezbollah's missile command center deployed in Tyre, which was responsible for firing rockets on the Haifa area.

The IDF believes that at least 200 Hezbollah operatives have been killed since the fighting began more than two weeks ago, a military source said Friday.

IAF warplanes struck three buildings in a village near the market town of Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon as they renewed attacks on suspected Hezbollah targets Friday, killing a Jordanian citizen and a Lebanese couple and wounding nine people, including four children, Lebanese security officials said.

Advertisement

Israel Defense Forces troops also killed five Hezbollah operatives in the Lebanese town of Bint Jbail before dawn Friday, Israel Radio reported.

Israeli jets staged four bombing runs that left roads damaged in
southeastern Lebanon, the security officials said. No casualties were reported.

Israeli artillery pounded the border village of Arnoun on Friday. The village is outside Nabatiyeh and next to the strategic Crusader's Beaufort Castle, which has a commanding view of the border area. More than 40 shells struck the village, sending up clouds of gray smoke, witnesses said.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/743736.html

alexz

07-28-2006, 09:54 AM

Ynet.co.il reporting
5 long range missile landed in the Afula area. Israeli Police claims
this type of rockets hasn't been used yet and this is an escaletion
by the hezzbolla. No injuries were repoerted.

Roy Batty

07-28-2006, 10:12 AM

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - A top Iranian negotiator reportedly visited Damascus on Thursday for talks on the Lebanese crisis with the Syrian and Hezbollah leaders, highlighting the three-way alliance arrayed against Israel.

The reported meeting underscored the Israeli and U.S. insistence that Syria and Iran have a powerful influence with the Shiite Hezbollah organization and its guerrillas.

White House spokesman Tony Snow said Syria and Iran "are playing leading roles" in the conflict in Lebanon "and need to step up" to the task of finding a solution.

"We have already made it clear to both parties what is necessary, and what is necessary is for Hezbollah to lay down arms and choose a political rather than a military track," he said Thursday.

Snow's remarks reinforced those of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice after the Syrians held out their diplomatic hand to the United States this week. But Rice said there already were sufficient contacts with Damascus and the Syrians were aware of what they need to do - stop supporting Hezbollah and press it to disarm.

Thursday's meeting in Damascus was reported by Iranian news agencies as well as Kuwait's Al-Siyassah newspaper, known for its opposition to the Syrian regime.

Al-Siyassah said the talks were to discuss ways to maintain supplies to Hezbollah with "Iranian arms flowing through Syrian territories."

Citing "well-informed Syrian sources" it did not identify, the newspaper said Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah was moving through Damascus with Syrian guards in an intelligence agency car. He was dressed in civilian clothes, not his normal clerical garb, it said.

The Mehr news agency in Iran said Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was in Damascus for the meeting. Similar reports were carried by the Iranian Labour News Agency and the Fars agency. Al-Siyassah said Larijani was to have met Syrian President Bashar Assad and Nasrallah.

Hezbollah officials reached by The Associated Press in Beirut on Thursday said they did not know if Nasrallah had travelled to Damascus.

Iranian state-run media did not mention Larijani's travels. A spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media, said there "was no information" on a trip.

In Damascus, Iranian Embassy No. 2 Ghazanfar Rokn-Abadi would neither confirm nor deny the reported meetings, telling The Associated Press: "We, too, heard and read in the media this report."

Syrian Foreign Ministry officials did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made a hastily arranged visit to Malaysia for talks on the Lebanese crisis with other foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur.

Rice was also in Kuala Lumpur, but a U.S. official rejected any possibility Rice would meet him.

Because of its strong alliance with Tehran and Hezbollah, Damascus can serve as a link through which the Bush administration could talk to Hezbollah and Iran about ending the Lebanese crisis.

Rice said this week that America's poor relationship with Syria had been overstated, noting the U.S. still has a diplomatic mission and State Department officials working in the Syrian capital.

"The problem isn't that people haven't talked to the Syrians. It's that the Syrians haven't acted," Rice said. "It's not as if we don't have diplomatic relations. We do."

The U.S. ambassador to Syria was recalled last year after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syrian officials have been blamed for the murder; Damascus denies any role.

The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on Syria, blaming it for fuelling the insurgency in Iraq and supporting Islamic militant groups in the Palestinian territories, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Syria denies the charges but hosts exiled leaders of those groups in Damascus.

Regardless, Syrian officials have said they are ready to talk with Washington.

"If the United States wants to involve in Syria's diplomacy, of course Damascus is more than willing to engage," Syria's ambassador to Washington, Imad Moustapha, said Sunday on CBS' Face the Nation.

But Syrian officials said Damascus would co-operate only within the framework of a broader Middle East peace initiative that includes a return of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981.

At a meeting Wednesday of key Mideast players in Rome, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said a lasting end to the conflict would "require the constructive engagement of the countries in the region, including Syria and Iran."

www.canoe.ca

Apologies to DW. Your correct; it seems some folks can't have a civilized discussion without flames.

Roy Batty

07-28-2006, 10:13 AM

JERUSALEM (AP) - As U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced plans Friday to return to the Middle East, Israeli warplanes pounded 130 targets in Lebanon, including a Hezbollah base in the Bekaa Valley where long-range rockets were stored, killing at least three people and wounding nine, officials said.

Meanwhile, U.S. and British officials stepped up diplomatic efforts to end the crisis.

Rice, who was attending a regional security conference in Malaysia on Friday, said she'll be back in the region following a trip to Lebanon and Israel earlier in the week, presumably to lay the groundwork for what she has called an "enduring" ceasefire.

Israeli media reported that she will land in Israel on Saturday night and meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday.

During a meeting in Rome Wednesday, Rice faced strong demand from European governments for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. But she won extra time for Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah, arguing for a ceasefire that would end Hezbollah's control of southern Lebanon and diminish the influence of Syria and Iran in Lebanon's affairs.

U.S. President George W. Bush has suggested he would support the offensive for as long as it would take to cripple Hezbollah. He also sharply condemned Iran for supporting the guerrillas.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair headed to Washington on Friday for a summit with Bush, and Blair's spokesman said the prime minister would seek a United Nations resolution aimed at solving the Mideast crisis.

Blair wants to step up the pace of diplomacy aimed at a ceasefire and the formation of a beefed up international force that would help control south Lebanon. Hezbollah guerrillas have long been in control of southern Lebanon, in violation of a previous UN resolution.

In Lebanon, Israel's 17-day-old offensive continued, mostly limited to attacks by its air force.

Missiles fired by Israeli jets destroyed three buildings in the village of Kfar Jouz near the market town of Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, and three people were killed and nine wounded, including four children, Lebanese security officials said. The raid apparently targeted an apartment belonging to a Hezbollah activist.

Civil defence teams were struggling in the village to rescue some people believed to be trapped or buried under the rubble of one of the buildings, a three-story structure, witnesses said.

Israeli artillery also used more than 40 shells to pound the border village of Arnoun just outside Nabatiyeh, next to the strategic Crusader's Beaufort Castle, which has a commanding view of the border area, witnesses said.

In addition, Israeli jets used bombs and missiles to hit roads in southeastern Lebanon and suspected Hezbollah hideouts in hills and mountainous areas, security officials said.

Israeli defence forces said its aircraft hit a total of 130 targets in Lebanon on Thursday and early Friday, including a Hezbollah base in the Bekaa Valley, where long-range rockets were stored and 57 Hezbollah structures, six missile launching sites and six communication facilities.

At least 440 people have been killed in Lebanon since fighting broke out between Israeli forces and Hezbollah guerrillas, most of them Lebanese civilians, according to security officials. But Lebanon's health minister estimated Thursday that as many as Lebanese 600 civilians have been killed so far in the offensive.

Thirty-three Israeli soldiers have died in the fighting and 19 civilians were killed in Hezbollah's unyielding rocket attacks on Israel's northern towns, the army said.

The army said Friday that Israeli troops have killed about 200 Hezbollah guerrillas since fighting began more than two weeks ago. Hezbollah has reported far fewer casualties.

Early Friday, Israeli ground forces were fighting guerrillas in Bint Jbail, but no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, the guerrillas continued to launch rockets into northern Israel on Friday, with 14 fired at the towns that included Ma'alot, Karmiel and Safed, the army said. No casualties were reported.

Israeli forces also stepped up their defence.

On Thursday, the military installed a Patriot interceptor missile battery north of Tel Aviv, saying it believes the area could be in range of missiles that Hezbollah has obtained from Syria, the army said. The Patriot system can intercept long-range missiles fired at Israel but not the short-range Katyusha rockets, hundreds of which have been fired by Hezbollah from southern Lebanon.

www.canoe.ca

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 10:13 AM

US 'outrage' over Israeli claims

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41940000/jpg/_41940140_flag2_b203_afp.jpg
Israel's forceful campaign has caused fury among some US allies

The US state department has dismissed as "outrageous" a suggestion by Israel that it has been authorised by the world to continue bombing Lebanon.

"The US is sparing no efforts to bring a durable and lasting end to this conflict," said spokesman Adam Ereli.
Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon made the suggestion after powers meeting in Rome refrained from demanding an immediate ceasefire.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is heading to Washington for talks on the crisis.
His meeting with US President George W Bush comes amid growing pressure for the UK and US to join calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel has carried out dozens of fresh strikes on Lebanon, leaving at least five people dead.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifLEBANON TWO WEEKS ON
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41934000/jpg/_41934930_afp203bodycomfort.jpg
Three airports bombed
62 bridges destroyed
Three dams and ports hit
5,000 homes damaged

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Damage in maps (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5218106.stm)
Arab press anger at US (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223262.stm)

Two mortar rounds have struck a convoy of vehicles carrying civilians escaping the violence in southern Lebanon.
The BBC's Jim Muir, who is with the convoy, said two people - a driver and a television cameraman - were wounded.
The convoy, organised by the Australian embassy, was returning to the port city of Tyre from the border village of Rmeish, where hundreds of people have been trapped by the Israeli offensive.
At talks in Rome on Wednesday, the US, UK and regional powers urged peace be sought with the "utmost urgency", but stopped short of calling for an immediate truce. That prompted Mr Ramon to declare Israel had received "permission from the world... to continue the operation".
But questioned by reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Ereli said: "Any such statement is outrageous."
The US has said a ceasefire is only worth it if it can be made to last. Mr Bush reiterated the US's rejection of a "false peace" on Thursday evening.
But the BBC's world affairs correspondent, Nick Childs, points out that Mr Bush also emphasised how troubled he was by the mounting casualties, a suggestion - perhaps - that he is increasingly conscious of the price Washington is paying for its closeness to Israel.

Air strikes

Some 425 Lebanese, the vast majority civilians, are confirmed killed in the 17 days of the conflict - but a Lebanese minister has suggested scores more bodies lie under the rubble, yet to be recovered.

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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Lebanon crisis (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5223850.stm)

Fifty-one Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed, mostly by rockets fired over the border by the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah.
The Israeli assault began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
In the latest violence, a Jordanian man was killed and at least three other people wounded in one of several strikes in Kfar Joz, close to the southern Lebanese market town of Natabiyeh
A Lebanese couple there died when their bomb shelter collapsed on top of them, and at least three children were wounded.
There were multiple strikes on the Bekaa Valley to the east, on villages around the coastal city of Tyre, and roads in the south-east.
Sporadic clashes were also reported in Bint Jbeil, where Israel suffered its worst single losses on Wednesday.
Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel have continued, but there have been no reports of any injuries.

Shifting aims

A Jordanian air force plane has landed in Beirut, with one of the first aid shipments to be allowed into the airport since its runways were hit during the first days of Israel's offensive.
In Israel, few people still speak of being able to neutralise Hezbollah, our correspondent in Jerusalem Katya Adler says.
Instead Israel speaks of trying to establish a "secure zone" empty of Hezbollah fighters north of the border with Israel. The Israeli government's announcement that it is calling up three divisions of reservists - said to number between 15,000 to 40,000 - suggests it is preparing for the possibility of a protracted war, our correspondent says.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223940.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 10:25 AM

Washington risks a wider conflict

BBC Correspondent Jim Muir, who has been reporting on the current conflict from the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre, has covered the upheavals in Lebanon since the original crisis erupted there in 1975.

In the second of a two-part series on how this conflict compares with previous ones, he examines Washington's changing role.

Previous eruptions of violence that began in a roughly similar manner, such as the 1996 Grapes of Wrath bombardment, were curtailed at a much lower level than the current paroxysm.

Map of Shia populations around the Middle East (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223210.stm#shia)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41939000/jpg/_41939312_tanks_afp203b.jpg
Israel says any settlement must be based on the defeat of Hezbollah

One major difference this time is that Israel enjoys an indulgence from Washington far beyond anything previous, essentially giving it a free hand.
While previous administrations, despite commitment to the strategic alliance with Israel, kept at least some distance in earlier crises, the US under George W Bush immediately adopted Israel's primary war aim.
There could be no ceasefire until the "root problem - Hezbollah is addressed". Israel would not be under pressure to halt until Hezbollah had been defeated and destroyed.
The agony of Lebanon was, like the carnage in Iraq, part of the birth pains of the New Middle East for the neo-conservative ideologues in Washington.
This was Israel's contribution to the war on terror, dealing a blow to a proxy offspring of those "axis of evil" nations, Syria and Iran.

Absolutist approach

This offensive is very different from the Grapes of Wrath in 1996. A complex diplomatic process involving Lebanon, the US, France, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Syria delivered an indirect understanding between Israel and Hezbollah that successfully kept the conflict within bounds, despite the continuing Israeli occupation of the south and Hezbollah's attacks on it.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41938000/jpg/_41938326_hezbollah203b.jpg
Hezbollah is willing to agree on an immediate ceasefire

This time, neither Israel nor the US wants to accept Hezbollah as a party to anything, nor do they want its patrons Syria or Iran to be involved, except apparently in a capitulation.
For them, any settlement must be based on the defeat of Hezbollah and the humiliation of its Syrian and Iranian sponsors.
If an increasingly isolated US, with anaemic support from Britain, continues to support or even encourage Israel's absolutist approach, the consequences could be dire both in Lebanon and in the wider region.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif There are signs of a rapprochement between radical Sunni and Shia factions which could rebound massively on the US http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif

Israel would continue with a prolonged campaign of destruction and running warfare in southern Lebanon, with more destructive raids further north.
That situation would be unlikely to remain static and confined.
Already, there are signs of a rapprochement between radical Sunni and Shia factions which could rebound massively on the US if it gains wider ground.
The Hezbollah operation of 12 July was apparently launched at least partly in support of the embattled (Sunni) Hamas in Gaza, perhaps at the prompting of their mutual supporter Iran.
So the seeds of co-operation between Sunni and Shia radical groups are already there, and - encouraged by Iran and Syria - they could start sprouting elsewhere in the region.

Iraqi pressure

If Hezbollah comes under unremitting pressure in a war of attrition in Lebanon, it would be logical for Tehran to start activating more dynamically some of its many assets in neighbouring Iraq.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41938000/jpg/_41938218_tyre-rubble203b.jpg
Bombing has destroyed Lebanese reconstruction and confidence

Iran has very close ties to most of the Shia Islamist groups which now dominate the Baghdad government, and which are watching the suffering of their fellow Shias in Lebanon with growing alarm.
Groups with armed militias, such as the Mehdi Army of radical Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr and the Iranian-grown Badr Brigade are strongly opposed to the 120,000-strong US presence in Iraq.
It is far from inconceivable that, even without co-ordination or contacts with the Sunni-based insurgency, Iranian-inspired Iraqi Shia factions could start joining in the pressure on the American forces there.
Because Israel and the Americans are insisting on victory rather than the kind of balanced compromise that prevailed in the 1996 Grapes of Wrath understanding, the confrontation risks mutating into a double existential battle merging the current regional arenas of conflict.
On one side, there is the Israeli and American project for the wider region; on the other, there are the Palestinians and Islamists and their strategic backers Iran and Syria, with the largely Sunni conservative Arab states facing increasing pressure from their Shia minorities and Sunni activists.
It is a denouement from which both the US and Israel have backed off in the past, with their respective withdrawals from Lebanon in 1983 and 2000.

War or diplomacy?

If the current course continues - and there is no sign of an imminent turnaround - there is no predicting how far and how fast the flames may spread, as Israel plunges deeper into open-ended warfare with forces challenging the very foundations of its existence.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41924000/jpg/_41924432_riceafp.jpg
A protracted conflict will weaken the Beirut government

There is an alternative, favoured by most of the international community apart from the US and Israel: an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations to address the underlying issues and stabilise the truce.
Hezbollah itself is willing to agree on an immediate ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners that would see the two captured Israeli soldiers return home.
Other issues would then be on the table, such as the disarming of Hezbollah or the merger of its forces into the Lebanese Army - a step that was already under active discussion before the current crisis blew up.
If the carnage and the overspill beyond Lebanon can be stopped, Hezbollah will find itself under strong pressure in the Lebanese political arena to agree to measures for long-term stabilisation, such as allowing the Lebanese Army to deploy down to the Israeli border.
The main Sunni, Druze and Christian political forces - Hezbollah's partners in an uneasy coalition government - were dismayed and infuriated by the sudden eruption of a war triggered without their knowledge or involvement.
The conflict has destroyed much of the country's post-war reconstruction and the growing confidence painstakingly established since the early 1990s.
The longer the war now goes on, the weaker and less relevant the Lebanese government will become, and the less able to exert pressure on Hezbollah and a Shia community seething with anger at the devastation visited on it.

Palestinian issue

For many of those non-Hezbollah, anti-Syrian factions in the Lebanese government, the key failure in the current crisis has been Washington's: its inability to keep the Middle East road map alive, and to address the core Palestinian issue, its total alignment with Israel, and its apparent willingness to allow Lebanon to be devastated in a proxy war of regional ambitions.
President Bush has declared that the root of the problem is Hezbollah, and that there can be no settlement until that problem is addressed.
Throughout the region, Arab moderates and radicals, Sunnis and Shias, would take issue.
For them, it goes without saying that the root of the problem is Israel's occupation of what was Palestine, and that there can be no peace until that problem is addressed, perhaps through a formula such as the land-for-peace offer endorsed by the Arab nations at their Beirut summit in March 2002.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41939000/gif/_41939346_mid_east_shias2_map416.gif

Return to top of page (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223210.stm#top)

Jim Muir's first article, on the historical origin of the conflict:
History repeats with a vengeance (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222154.stm)

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223210.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 10:27 AM

Israel ends deadly Gaza operation

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41940000/jpg/_41940230_clearup203new.jpg
Palestinians clear up after an air strike in Khan Younis refugee camp

The Israeli army has pulled out of the Gaza Strip after a two-day operation in which at least 29 Palestinians were killed, many of them civilians.

Air strikes overnight destroyed several buildings across the territory, killing two Palestinians, one a teenage boy.
The Israeli army says it attacked weapons facilities in four areas in a continuing campaign to weaken militant groups in Gaza.
Eyewitnesses say farmland, power lines and telephone cables were destroyed.
Among those killed in the operation were a baby, two infants, three teenagers and a 75-year-old woman, Palestinians say.
One report said that 13 militants had been killed in the operation.
Israel says it killed 25 "terrorists".
The offensive in Gaza began a month ago in response, Israel says, to the capture of its soldier Gilad Shalit by Hamas-linked militants.
Militant groups say that was motivated by Israeli bombardments that killed several civilians.

Aid from the EU

The EU has meanwhile given millions of dollars in aid to Palestinians, much of it to pay the wages of health workers.
An EU official told the AFP news agency the 40m euro ($51m) payment marked the third instalment in an aid package aimed at directly paying Palestinian public sector workers, bypassing the Hamas-led government.
EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said after visiting Gaza on Thursday that the situation was of "total crisis.
"We hope that there will be immediate work to put to a stop the violence on both sides," she was quoted as saying by AFP.
The EU is the biggest aid donor to the Palestinians but suspended much of its aid earlier this year over the Hamas-led government's refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel. Some one million Palestinians, or a quarter of the population in the West Bank and Gaza, depend on the wages of the Palestinian Authority's 160,000 employees.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223784.stm)

Snoshi

07-28-2006, 10:34 AM

Long-range missiles fired at Afula

Escalation: Security officials say that five long-range missiles, equipped with more explosives than Pajar rockets used by Hizbullah so far, fired at Afula Friday noon. Sources say missiles may have been aimed at Hadera, Netanya
Sharon Roffe-Ofir

Hizbullah steps up attacks: Police officials said that on Friday noon Hizbullah fired, for the first time, five long-range missiles carrying heavier explosives than the Pajar rockets of the type that has been fired so far. The missiles landed in open areas near Afula

and in the area between Afula and Beit Shean. No injuries were reported in the attack.

Ynet has learned that some of the rockets fired in the barrages on the Western Galilee on Thursday included 220 millimeter-diameter rockets. Up until now Hizbullah had launched these rockets only at Haifa. One of these rockets had hit a train depot and killed eight employees at the place.

The missiles located near Afula are equipped with more explosives and can travel to longer distances. Security officials that arrived at the missiles' landing site said they have never encountered such missiles before. They claimed that Hizbullah may have been trying to land the missiles in the Hadera or Netanya region, but that due to the IDF's operation in southern Lebanon, launch cells were forced deeper into Lebanese territory and pushed away from the border.

Rockets on north

Two people were lightly to moderately wounded when four rockets fired by Hizbullah from south Lebanon Friday hit a residential neighborhood in Kiryat Shmona at around 14:30 p.m.

Four vehicles caught fire and a number of people suffered shock. Additionally, rockets landed in open areas near Carmiel, Maalot and Rosh Pina, incurring no casualties.

Following the rocket strikes a number of fires ignited which fire fighting crews were working to extinguish

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3282785,00.html

Zerodivider

07-28-2006, 10:36 AM

Aid Convoy Attacked
Updated: 14:36, Friday July 28, 2006

An aid convoy has been hit by an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon.

Sky News reporter David Bowden said the convoy was returning from the village of Rmeish to the port city of Tyre.

Organised by Lebanese civil defence workers it had evacuated dozens of civilians caught up in the 17-day-old war between Israel and the Hizbollah guerrillas.

One vehicle was damaged and three civilians were wounded.

The news came after Israeli jets attacked 130 militant targets in Lebanon overnight, according to Israeli Radio.

It said a Hizbollah base, where long-range rockets were being stored, was attacked in the Bekaa Valley.

The Lebanese militant group has fired more than 1,400 rockets into hit Israel since the current conflict began.

Elsewhere, 13 people died during attacks in Lebanon.

Warplanes repeatedly bombed hill villages near the southern port of Tyre and hundreds of artillery rounds crashed across the border from Israel, killing 10.

The conflict began when Hizbollah killed several Israeli troops and abducted two more.

The group wants to exchange the soldiers for prisoners in Israel.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1229114,00.html

frenchy

07-28-2006, 10:37 AM

corran.pl

07-28-2006, 10:45 AM

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8480/toolbarlogoaz1.gif (http://imageshack.us)http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5218106.stm
Lebanon damage report

Summary of the main Lebanese infrastructure damaged by Israeli bombing in the two weeks since the conflict began on 12 July, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2433/41933900lebbeirut2map629ja5.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Airports

Beirut International
Qaleiat domestic
Rayak military

Ports

Beirut
Tripoli
Jounieh

Other transport

Lighthouse, Beirut
Bridges: 62
Fuel stations: 22
Overpasses: 72
Dams: 3
Roads: 600km

Military

Radar installations: 4
Army barracks: 1

Civilian

Private homes: 5,000

Commercial

Tissue paper factory, Bekaa
Bottle factory, Bekaa
Other businesses: 150

Communications

Hezbollah's al-Manar TV station, Haret Hreik, Beirut
MTC mobile phone antenna, Dahr al-Baidar

Utilities

Jiyeh power plant
Sibline power station
Sewage plant, Dair al-Zahrani

Some stats from BBC.

Snoshi

07-28-2006, 11:24 AM

IDF kills Hizbullah commander behind long-range missile smuggling

The IDF struck Thursday night a vehicle carrying Nur Shalhub, a Hizbullah senior commander responsible for the smuggling of strategic weapons, including long-range missiles, in the organization.

The strike took place while the car was moving in the Bekaa region , loaded with smuggled missiles. Shalhub and several other terrorists were killed in the attack. (Hanan Greenberg)

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/1,7340,L-3282807,00.html

alexz

07-28-2006, 11:27 AM

Ynet.co.il report
1. Hezzbolla claims the new rocket fired today is called Haiber 1.
2. IAF killes hizzbollah officer nur shalub and other terrorist in Baal'bek
while smuggling weapons from Syria.

alexz

07-28-2006, 12:23 PM

Israel channel 10 news report
Fighting in Bint Jabeyl resumes, 2-3 hezzis are dead, IDF shelling the area.
Also Shown interview with Lenanese PM who claims the hezzbolla no longer
intrested in palestinian prisoners but in recovering dead hezzi bodies.

PeterG

07-28-2006, 12:28 PM

From http://www.janes.com/defence/naval_forces/news/jni/jni060728_1_n.shtml

"Early indications are that the warhead of the Iranian-supplied Noor anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) that hit Hanit off Lebanon on 14 July did not detonate. Even so, the missile - fired by Hizbullah forces - killed four crew and inflicted severe damage to the ship's flight deck and steering systems."

ed316

07-28-2006, 12:33 PM

Blair to seek U.S. support on ending Mideast crisis

Friday, July 28, 2006; Posted: 11:21 a.m. EDT (15:21 GMT)

(CNN) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair headed Friday to Washington, where he was expected to press President Bush on a swift solution to the Middle East crisis.
A British government spokesman traveling with Blair said the prime minister believes that the United States will be willing to support a U.N. resolution next week in the expectation that Israel will by then have sufficiently weakened Hezbollah with its military action in Lebanon.
Blair is hoping to ramp up the diplomatic push for a cease-fire and for a beefed-up international force that would help control the Hezbollah stronghold of south Lebanon, The Associated Press reported.
Friday's meeting follows an Italian conference of key Middle East decision-makers that failed to agree on an immediate cease-fire as the United States, backed by Britain, insisted any halt to violence should be linked to a wider effort to disarm Hezbollah. (Full story (http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/26/mideast.romeconf/index.html))
A senior U.N. diplomat has described the mood at those talks as somber. He said all the parties but the United States wanted an immediate cessation of fighting to make room for more negotiations and humanitarian aid.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice argued that taking such an approach would leave Hezbollah in place and armed with rockets.
Rice said Friday she will go back to the Middle East to try to bring an end to the fighting after she visited the Lebanese capital, Jerusalem and the West Bank earlier this week, the AP reported. She didn't provide a precise time for a second trip.
"Let me be very clear. I am going to return to the Middle East. The question is when is it right for me to return," Rice said at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she has been attending a conference.
"I do think it is important that groundwork be laid so I can make the most of whatever time I can spend there," Rice told the AP.
Blair, meanwhile, faces pressure at home to salvage his diplomatic reputation after an eavesdropped conversation between him and Bush at a recent Group of Eight summit appeared to show the British prime minister's deferential relationship with the U.S. leader. (Watch Blair take heat over his relationship with the U.S. -- 2:38 (javascript:cnnVideo('play','/video/world/2006/07/28/oakley.blair.dc.visit.cnn','2005/12/31');))
Since the outbreak of fighting between Israel and Lebanese guerrillas, Blair has put himself at odds with Arab nations and Britain's European allies by refusing to call for an immediate cease-fire -- echoing U.S. policy.
Like Bush, Blair has said a cease-fire will work only if conditions are first put in place to ensure that both sides keep it.
Meanwhile Friday, French President Jacques Chirac said France will press for a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Lebanon, the AP reported.
A statement from Chirac's office called for an international force under a U.N. mandate to support the cease-fire, according to the AP. France hopes to circulate a draft within days, the AP said.
After meeting with Bush, Blair is to travel to California -- the first official visit to the state by a sitting prime minister, according to the British consulate in San Francisco. He will discuss issues such as globalization, trade and biotechnology.
CNN's Robin Oakley contributed to this report.

Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press (http://www.cnn.com/interactive_legal.html#AP) contributed to this report.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/28/us.britain/index.html

Kaplanr

07-28-2006, 01:38 PM

Hamas seeks separate prisoner exchange deal from Hezbollah

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/744003.html

Hamas seeks separate prisoner exchange deal from Hezbollah

By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent

A leading Hamas representative in Damascus said Friday that no connection should be drawn between the proposed prisoner exchange between Israel and Hezbollah and a possible deal between Israel and Hamas.

Both groups seized Israel Defense Forces soldiers during attacks on IDF positions. Hamas is holding Corporal Gilad Shalit, who was abducted in June from an IDF post close to the Gaza border. He is being held inside Gaza.

Moussa Abu Marzuk, a senior member of Hamas' Damascus-based political leadership, made the statement Friday to the London-based Arabic-language daily "Al-Hayat."

Abu Marzuk said that while the Lebanese government is representing Hezbollah in negotiations for a prisoner exchange, the government does not represent Palestinian groups.

He added, however, that Hamas and Hezbollah are in contact on the issue of a prisoner exchange.

Abu Marzuk participated in a meeting Wednesday in Damascus between leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad with Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani.

The Kuwaiti newspaper "A-Siyassa" said Friday that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was also expected to attend, but there have been no reports that Nasrallah was actually there.

According to Abu Marzuk, Larijani said in the meeting that he is certain that Hezbollah's position is strong, and that it will emerge victorious from its conflict with Israel. The proof of this, Larijani said, is reflected in the heavy losses Israel is sustaining, and its decision Thursday to call up three divisions of military reserves.

Also Friday, Syrian Vice President Farouk Shara met with the leaders of Palestinian groups in Damascus and offered to help Hezbollah in political and media issues.

Snoshi

07-28-2006, 01:41 PM

Israel posts a warning for Syrians
Abraham Rabinovich, Jerusalem
July 29, 2006
ISRAEL'S dramatic decision on Thursday to mobilise three army divisions is a signal of preparations for a strong push northwards in Lebanon and a warning to Syria not to intervene.

Both messages were played down by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's cabinet, which said that ground operations would continue for now at the limited scope it had approved previously and that Israel had no intention of attacking Syria.

However, informed Israeli sources say that the cabinet is likely to approve a major new ground operation in the coming days.

As for Syria, the Israeli Government has sought to avoid a confrontation with it in order to focus on the battle against Hezbollah. Mr Olmert was reportedly reluctant to approve the army's request for the mobilisation on the grounds that Damascus might interpret this as intent to attack Syria and that Damascus might attempt a pre-emptive strike.

According to the newspaper Yediot Achronot, he was persuaded to approve the mobilisation after intelligence pointed out that the Syrian armed forces had gone on high alert and that an attack ordered by Syria's impulsive young President, Bashar al-Assad, could not be ruled out.

In a related development, the army announced yesterday that batteries of Patriot missiles were being deployed in the Tel Aviv area. These missiles are ineffective against the short-range rockets being fired by Hezbollah but are said to work against the longer-range Scud missiles in Syria's possession.

Syria's concerns about Israel's intentions cannot altogether be ruled out. There is increasing unhappiness in Jerusalem over the continuing attempts by Damascus to smuggle missiles and other weaponry from Iran to Hezbollah even as the fighting goes on.

The Israeli Air Force has stopped a number of trucks said to be carrying such armaments after they crossed the border from Syria into Lebanon on secondary roads. If Syria's involvement is deemed significant, Israel could lash out at Damascus.

The Israeli ground presence in Lebanon has substantially increased since the opening days of the war, when it was limited to brief forays against Hezbollah positions overlooking the border.

While operations continue to have the character of pinpoint raids rather than a contiguous, frontal advance, they are now taking place 3.2km north of the border. This week, Defence Minister Amir Peretz announced that Israel would establish a security zone north of the border that it would hold until it could be handed over to an international force. He did not indicate how deep into Lebanon it would be.

The mobilisation order affects only the senior officers of the divisions in the first days but within a week to 10 days, the reservist troops are expected to have been mustered, to have familiarised themselves with their weapons and to be ready for combat.

The mobilisation of three divisions would not have been ordered if Israel were not considering pushing further north, although this would not necessarily occur immediately.

The cabinet announcement said the mobilisation's object was "to prepare the force for possible developments".

Even if the divisions are thrown into battle, Israel will probably not attempt a grand sweep towards Beirut as it did in the Lebanese war of 1982 but use the force to apply growing pressure on Hezbollah.

Until now, the Shia militia has demonstrated formidable resilience but it has been taking heavy losses. Its own calculations must take into consideration how much more war the Lebanese public, which it presumes to be defending, is prepared to put up with.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has pinned much of his hopes for a ceasefire on what he believes is the Israeli public's inability to endure weeks of rocket attacks. He called on his followers last week to hang on for another two weeks.

However, the Israeli public has thus far indicated overwhelming support of their military campaign, despite the casualties and property damage suffered in the attacks.

Much depends on the results of the political feelers presently being put out by all parties, mostly behind the scenes. There is a sense of great fluidity, with a broad agreement or a larger conflagration being equal possibilities.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19947072-2703,00.html

NimDod

07-28-2006, 01:53 PM

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/743555.html

Two hurt in rocket strikes in north; rockets again hit Afula area

By Eli Ashkenazi, Tomer Levy, Jack Khoury and Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies

Two people were lightly wounded Friday when rockets fired by Hezbollah guerillas struck their homes in the Kiryat Shmona area, close to the Israel-Lebanon border.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasite/images/iht_daily/D280706/kirsh_house_ap.jpghttp://www.haaretz.com/hasite/images/iht_daily/D280706/248car_nah_ap.jpg

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/743736.html

IAF takes out launcher used to fire missiles at Afula area

By Ze'ev Schiff and Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies

Israel Air Force warplanes on Friday took out the launchers used by Hezbollah to fire a new kind of missile at the Afula area, the furthest south that the guerilla group has reached since it began battering the north of Israel more than two weeks ago.

alexz

07-28-2006, 02:29 PM

Israel Channel 10 shows the hit on the Fajer-5 luncher.
10 hezzis are dead in 2 incident in bint Jabeyl.

wiking

07-28-2006, 02:35 PM

Doctors in Lebanon suspect Israel is using chemical weapons

www.vg.no (http://www.vg.no) frontpage (it's in Norwegian)

unidentified and unrecognized wounds, scorched black bodies where hair and skin was still intact and bodies that have shrunk to half their size has made doctors in Lebanon suspect that Israel is using some form of chemical weapon.

The doctors, many with experience from other wars, state they have never seen wounds or damage like this.

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 02:50 PM

Kaplanr/Alexz - no source/no post, quite simple - got it?

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 02:52 PM

Bush pushes rapid Lebanon force

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41940000/jpg/_41940140_flag2_b203_afp.jpg I
srael's forceful campaign has caused fury in some countries

An international force must be quickly despatched to Lebanon, US President George W Bush has said.

After talks in Washington with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Mr Bush said the two countries' goal was to achieve a "lasting peace" in the region.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would be returning to the region on Saturday, he added.
Earlier, Hezbollah said it had fired a new long-range rocket, called the Khaibar-1, into northern Israel.
Mr Bush said he and Mr Blair had agreed an international force would augment the Lebanese army, and assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid.
He told reporters that the US and UK governments had agreed their top priorities in dealing with the crisis were to:

Help provide immediate humanitarian relief
Achieve an end to the violence
Return those displaced by the crisis
Help with reconstructionMr Bush said Ms Rice would hold talks with the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to agree a proposal to achieve lasting peace.
The UN Security Council would meet next week to discuss the issue, he added.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41934000/jpg/_41934930_afp203bodycomfort.jpg
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Damage in maps (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5218106.stm)
Arab press anger at US (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223262.stm)
Hezbollah's missiles (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5184974.stm)

"Our goal is a Chapter Seven resolution setting out a clear framework for cessation of hostilities on an urgent basis and mandating the multinational force," he said.
"Prime Minister Blair and I believe that this approach gives the best hope to end the violence and create lasting peace and stability in Lebanon."
Hezbollah said its new rocket had landed south of the city of Haifa, the deepest strike inside Israel so far.
Israeli police have confirmed that a previously unknown rocket carrying up to 100kg of explosives had struck an area near the town of Afula.
It formed part of a barrage of more 100 rockets fired into northern Israel, injuring at least seven people.
Israel has carried out dozens of fresh strikes on Lebanon. Lebanese officials said at least 12 people had been killed.

Convoy hit

Earlier on Friday, two mortar rounds hit a convoy of vehicles carrying civilians escaping the violence in southern Lebanon.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41932000/gif/_41932684_leb_is_gaz_launch_4map203.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Lebanon crisis (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5223850.stm)

The BBC's Jim Muir, who was with the convoy, said two people travelling in German TV vehicle were wounded when the rounds exploded next to their car.
The convoy, organised by the Australian embassy, was returning to the port city of Tyre from the border village of Rmeish, where hundreds of people have been trapped by the Israeli offensive.
Our correspondent says the cars were clearly marked as a press and civilian convoy, and that individual journalists had been in contact with the Israelis who knew about the journey.
A BBC security adviser travelling in a car behind the German car said he believed the mortar rounds had been fired from the Israeli side.
The Israeli Defence Forces say they do not believe it was one of their mortars but say they are still checking.

Air strikes

Some 425 Lebanese, the vast majority civilians, are confirmed killed in the 17 days of the conflict - but a Lebanese minister has suggested scores more bodies lie under the rubble.

Fifty-one Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed, mostly by Hezbollah rockets.
The Israeli assault began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz stressed on Friday Israel had no plans to start operations against Syria.
In other latest developments:

A Jordanian man was killed and at least three other people wounded in one of several strikes in Kfar Joz, close to the southern Lebanese market town of Natabiyeh
There were multiple strikes on the Bekaa Valley to the east, on villages around Tyre, and roads in the south-east
Sporadic clashes were reported in Bint Jbeil, where Israel suffered its worst single losses on Wednesday
Unarmed UN observers have been temporarily relocated from border positions in southern Lebanon after the deaths of four UN observers in an Israeli strike on TuesdayBBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5225358.stm)

Snoshi

07-28-2006, 05:00 PM

Battle in Bint Jbeil: More than 10 gunmen killed

IDF troops clash with Hizbullah gunmen; at least 10 terrorists killed in fire exchanges. Fighting in region continues
Hanan Greenberg

Exchanges of fire between IDF forces and Hizbullah gunmen have resumed Friday afternoon in the southern Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil. At least 10 terrorists were killed in the fighting.

Three terrorists who attempted to infiltrate an area secured by paratroopers were killed in the course of fire exchanges. The gunmen also fired a mortar shell at the troops.

Deadly Battle
9 IDF troops killed in day of fighting / Hanan Greenberg
(VIDEO) Harsh day of battles claims lives of nine soldiers in two incidents
לכתבה המלאה
IDF officials said that the operation in the region has not concluded, and that terrorists and terror infrastructure were still present in the area. "Although we had sustained losses, we have to remember that Hizbullah suffered losses as well. We have no plans to retreat, but rather to stay here and keep fighting," a Northern Command officer stated.

The clashes in "Hizbullah's capital" in recent days have claimed a heavy toll: Two days ago eight soldiers were killed and 22 had been injured during a battle with Hizbullah.

In a separate incident that took place 13 hours later, an officer was killed and three soldiers were wounded. Two of them are still in serious condition.

Military actions in Bint Jbeil and the neighboring village of Maroun al-Ras had claimed the lives of 18 soldiers since the onset of the Lebanon operation. Dozens more troops sustained injuries in the fighting.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3282867,00.html

tuercas

07-28-2006, 05:01 PM

Televisa news.
UN demands Israel investigate attack on UN outpost and to make results public.
in spanish
http://www.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/internacionales/554170.html

Fuerza Informativa Azteca

Heizbolla has began the deployment of new long range rocket Khaibar-1 as an evolution of the Fajr-5 series of rockets, that can carry larger payloads and longer range than Fajr-5

in spanish
http://www.tvazteca.com/hechos/archivos2/2006/7/134540.shtml

Mr. Nielsen

07-28-2006, 05:27 PM

Another view of cause and effect at the outset of the present conflict:

Tying the hands of the United Nations

Simon Tisdall
Friday July 28, 2006
The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/)

In the week preceding Hizbullah's July 12 cross-border raid into Israel that sparked the Lebanon war, the UN security council was wrestling with a draft resolution on Gaza. Sponsored by Arab countries, it called for the unconditional release of an Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants on June 25, an end to the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel, and a halt to Israel's "disproportionate" military response that was killing and injuring dozens of Palestinian civilians.

In the event, the US vetoed the Gaza resolution on the grounds that it was "unbalanced" and, ironically in the light of subsequent events, would have exacerbated regional tensions. John Bolton, the US ambassador, said the draft "places demands on one side of the Middle East conflict but not the other". In a taste of things to come, Britain abstained from voting.

The security council's failure during the period beginning June 25 to offer even a statement of concern about events in Gaza is one possible reason why Hizbullah took the incendiary action it did on July 12, capturing two more Israeli soldiers and killing several others. The Lebanese Shia militia doubtless had other motives, too. But it appeared determined to stand up for the Palestinians when the international community was evidently unwilling or unable to do so.

The rest of the Guardian article can be seen here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1832202,00.html)

saigonsmuggler

07-28-2006, 05:56 PM

Iran stops would-be Hizbullah volunteers at border
TEHERAN, Iran

Iran on Friday denied US allegations that it is supporting Hizbullah's war against Israel, and Iranians who wanted to fight for the Lebanese group complained their government was stopping them from leaving the country.

A group of 120 Iranians who volunteered to fight for Hizbullah said they were refused permission to go through Bazargan crossing, near the eastern Turkish town of Dogubayazit. They planned to travel through Turkey and Syria to Lebanon.

"The authorities said we could not pass through the border as we were wearing a kind of uniform," Ali Komeili, a spokesman for the volunteers, told The Associated Press. "We have sat here in protest at Bazargan border crossing to convince them to let us pass."

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292023357&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

wiking

07-28-2006, 06:17 PM

A bit off topic, but i'll risk DeltaWhisky's wrath to give him credit on the vigilant policing of this thread :)

DeltaWhisky58

07-28-2006, 06:32 PM

A bit off topic, but i'll risk DeltaWhisky's wrath to give him credit on the vigilant policing of this thread :)

Arghh! Thanks - it's appreciated.

Shock - I'm not going to delete this, my ego won't let me (hypocrite that I am) :oops:

N.B., if only members would take a second to think why this thread is being kept so tight - just take a look at the Discussion thread I opened this morning following a request, and look how long it lasted.

Paracaidista

07-28-2006, 06:39 PM

Source: New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/28/world/middleeast/28arabs.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print)

July 28, 2006
Changing Reaction
Tide of Arab Opinion Turns to Support for Hezbollah

By NEIL MacFARQUHAR

DAMASCUS, Syria, July 27 — At the onset of the Lebanese crisis, Arab governments, starting with Saudi Arabia (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/saudiarabia/index.html?inline=nyt-geo), slammed Hezbollah (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/h/hezbollah/index.html?inline=nyt-org) for recklessly provoking a war, providing what the United States and Israel (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/israel/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) took as a wink and a nod to continue the fight.

Now, with hundreds of Lebanese dead and Hezbollah holding out against the vaunted Israeli military for more than two weeks, the tide of public opinion across the Arab world is surging behind the organization, transforming the Shiite group’s leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, into a folk hero and forcing a change in official statements.

The Saudi royal family and King Abdullah II (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/a/_abdullah_ii/index.html?inline=nyt-per) of Jordan (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/jordan/index.html?inline=nyt-geo), who were initially more worried about the rising power of Shiite Iran, Hezbollah’s main sponsor, are scrambling to distance themselves from Washington.

An outpouring of newspaper columns, cartoons, blogs and public poetry readings have showered praise on Hezbollah while attacking the United States and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/condoleezza_rice/index.html?inline=nyt-per) for trumpeting American plans for a “new Middle East” that they say has led only to violence and repression.

Even Al Qaeda (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/a/al_qaeda/index.html?inline=nyt-org), run by violent Sunni Muslim extremists normally hostile to all Shiites, has gotten into the act, with its deputy leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, releasing a taped message saying that through its fighting in Iraq, his organization was also trying to liberate Palestine.

Mouin Rabbani, a senior Middle East analyst in Amman, Jordan, with the International Crisis Group, said, “The Arab-Israeli conflict remains the most potent issue in this part of the world.”

Distinctive changes in tone are audible throughout the Sunni world. This week, President Hosni Mubarak (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/hosni_mubarak/index.html?inline=nyt-per) of Egypt emphasized his attempts to arrange a cease-fire to protect all sects in Lebanon (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/lebanon/index.html?inline=nyt-geo), while the Jordanian king announced that his country was dispatching medical teams “for the victims of Israeli aggression.” Both countries have peace treaties with Israel.

The Saudi royal court has issued a dire warning that its 2002 peace plan — offering Israel full recognition by all Arab states in exchange for returning to the borders that predated the 1967 Arab-Israeli war — could well perish.

“If the peace option is rejected due to the Israeli arrogance,” it said, “then only the war option remains, and no one knows the repercussions befalling the region, including wars and conflict that will spare no one, including those whose military power is now tempting them to play with fire.”

The Saudis were putting the West on notice that they would not exert pressure on anyone in the Arab world until Washington did something to halt the destruction of Lebanon, Saudi commentators said.

American officials say that while the Arab leaders need to take a harder line publicly for domestic political reasons, what matters more is what they tell the United States in private, which the Americans still see as a wink and a nod.

There are evident concerns among Arab governments that a victory for Hezbollah — and it has already achieved something of a victory by holding out this long — would further nourish the Islamist tide engulfing the region and challenge their authority. Hence their first priority is to cool simmering public opinion.

But perhaps not since President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt made his emotional outpourings about Arab unity in the 1960’s, before the Arab defeat in the 1967 war, has the public been so electrified by a confrontation with Israel, played out repeatedly on satellite television stations with horrific images from Lebanon of wounded children and distraught women fleeing their homes.

Egypt’s opposition press has had a field day comparing Sheik Nasrallah to Nasser, while demonstrators waved pictures of both.

An editorial in the weekly Al Dustur by Ibrahim Issa, who faces a lengthy jail sentence for his previous criticism of President Mubarak, compared current Arab leaders to the medieval princes who let the Crusaders chip away at Muslim lands until they controlled them all.

After attending an intellectual rally in Cairo for Lebanon, the Egyptian poet Ahmed Fouad Negm wrote a column describing how he had watched a companion buy 20 posters of Sheik Nasrallah.

“People are praying for him as they walk in the street, because we were made to feel oppressed, weak and handicapped,” Mr. Negm said in an interview. “I asked the man who sweeps the street under my building what he thought, and he said: ‘Uncle Ahmed, he has awakened the dead man inside me! May God make him triumphant!’ ”

In Lebanon, Rasha Salti, a freelance writer, summarized the sense that Sheik Nasrallah differed from other Arab leaders.

“Since the war broke out, Hassan Nasrallah has displayed a persona, and public behavior also, to the exact opposite of Arab heads of states,” she wrote in an e-mail message posted on many blogs.

In comparison, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s brief visit to the region sparked widespread criticism of her cold demeanor and her choice of words, particularly a statement that the bloodshed represented the birth pangs of a “new Middle East.” That catchphrase was much used by Shimon Peres (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/p/shimon_peres/index.html?inline=nyt-per), the veteran Israeli leader who was a principal negotiator of the 1993 Oslo Accords, which ultimately failed to lead to the Palestinian state they envisaged.

A cartoon by Emad Hajjaj in Jordan labeled “The New Middle East” showed an Israeli tank sitting on a broken apartment house in the shape of the Arab world.

Fawaz al-Trabalsi, a columnist in the Lebanese daily As Safir, suggested that the real new thing in the Middle East was the ability of one group to challenge Israeli militarily.

Perhaps nothing underscored Hezbollah’s rising stock more than the sudden appearance of a tape from the Qaeda leadership attempting to grab some of the limelight.

Al Jazeera (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/a/al_jazeera/index.html?inline=nyt-org) satellite television broadcast a tape from Mr. Zawahri (za-WAH-ri). Large panels behind him showed a picture of the exploding World Trade Center as well as portraits of two Egyptian Qaeda members, Muhammad Atef, a Qaeda commander who was killed by an American airstrike in Afghanistan, and Mohamed Atta (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/a/mohamed_atta/index.html?inline=nyt-per), the lead hijacker on Sept. 11, 2001. He described the two as fighters for the Palestinians.

Mr. Zawahri tried to argue that the fight against American forces in Iraq paralleled what Hezbollah was doing, though he did not mention the organization by name.

“It is an advantage that Iraq is near Palestine,” he said. “Muslims should support its holy warriors until an Islamic emirate dedicated to jihad is established there, which could then transfer the jihad to the borders of Palestine.”

Mr. Zawahri also adopted some of the language of Hezbollah and Shiite Muslims in general. That was rather ironic, since previously in Iraq, Al Qaeda has labeled Shiites Muslim as infidels and claimed responsibility for some of the bloodier assaults on Shiite neighborhoods there.

But by taking on Israel, Hezbollah had instantly eclipsed Al Qaeda, analysts said. “Everyone will be asking, ‘Where is Al Qaeda now?’ ” said Adel al-Toraifi, a Saudi columnist and expert on Sunni extremists.

Mr. Rabbani of the International Crisis Group said Hezbollah’s ability to withstand the Israeli assault and to continue to lob missiles well into Israel exposed the weaknesses of Arab governments with far greater resources than Hezbollah.

“Public opinion says that if they are getting more on the battlefield than you are at the negotiating table, and you have so many more means at your disposal, then what the hell are you doing?” Mr. Rabbani said. “In comparison with the small embattled guerrilla movement, the Arab states seem to be standing idly by twiddling their thumbs.”

Mona el-Naggar contributed reporting from Cairo for this article, and Suha Maayeh from Amman, Jordan.

NimDod

07-28-2006, 08:29 PM

Last update - 02:06 29/07/2006

26 Hezbollah gunmen killed by IDF in Bint Jbail clashes

By Ze'ev Schiff and Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies

Israel Defense Forces troops killed 26 Hezbollah gunmen in clashes in the southern Lebanon town of Bint Jbail. No IDF troops were hurt in the opreation, an army spokesperson said.

During the day's fighting, a joint force of Paratroopers and soldiers from the Golani Brigade seized Hezbollah equipment including five anti-tank missiles, 30 hand grenades, 41 clips and 10 bullet proof vests.

"(Israeli) forces are still there at the moment," an army spokeswoman said.

more at:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/743736.html

Macs.

07-28-2006, 09:23 PM

Germany 'mediating prisoner exchange in Lebanon'

CAIRO - Negotiations to effect the exchange of two Israeli soldiers abducted to Lebanon have begun involving German mediators, the London-based Arab daily al-Hayat reported Friday.

Lebanese government sources were quoted as saying the efforts were still in the "initial phase". At present, the focus was on "determining suitable conditions for a prisoner exchange."

The abduction of the two soldiers by Hezbollah militia on July 12 triggered the Lebanon conflict.

German diplomats and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are involved in indirect mediation efforts to secure their release, the report said.

The conditions under which Hezbollah would be prepared to release the soldiers were not known, al-Hayat reported. Three Lebanese and more than 8,000 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons.

Germany has mediated the release of prisoners and hostages in the Middle East on several occasions.

In 2004, when head of the chancellor's office, the present German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was involved in the last prisoner exchange between Hezbollah and Israel.

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=31912&name=Germany+'mediating+prisoner+exchange+in+Lebanon'

Argyll

07-28-2006, 09:28 PM

Next person that calls a mod a liar in open forums or PM's gets banned permanently..........

Irish

07-28-2006, 09:51 PM

Further deaths in Israel-Hezbollah conflict (http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0728/lebanon01.html)http://www.rte.ie/news/images/video_sml_but.gif
(22:31) Israel has killed at least three Hezbollah guerrillas in fighting in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon.

saigonsmuggler

07-29-2006, 12:08 AM

Hezbollah politicians back peace package By SAM F. GHATTAS, Associated Press Writer
12 minutes ago

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Hezbollah politicians, while expressing reservations, have joined their critics in the government in agreeing to a peace package that includes strengthening an international force in south Lebanon and disarming the guerrillas, the government said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The agreement — reached after a heated six-hour Cabinet meeting — was the first time that Hezbollah has signed onto a proposal for ending the crisis that includes the deploying of international forces.

The package falls short of American and Israeli demands in that it calls for an immediate cease-fire before working out details of a force and includes other conditions.

But European Union officials said Friday the proposals form a basis for an agreement, increasing the pressure on the United States to call for a cease-fire.

President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Friday they too want an international force dispatched quickly to the Mideast but said any plan to end the fighting — to have a lasting effect — must address long-running regional disputes.

"This is a moment of intense conflict in the Middle East," Bush said after his meeting with Blair in Washington. "Yet our aim is to turn it into a moment of opportunity and a chance for broader change in the region."

By signing onto the peace proposals, Hezbollah gave Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora a boost in future negotiations.

Going into Thursday night's Cabinet session, Hezbollah's two ministers expressed deep reservations about the force and its mandate, fearing it could turn against their guerrillas.

"Will the international force be a deterrent one and used against who?" officials who attended the Cabinet meeting said in summing up Hezbollah cabinet ministers concerns. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the debate.

But afterward, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi announced that the package had been agreed on by consensus in a rare show of unity by a divided administration.

While all sides seemed to be looking for a way to stop the fighting, details of plans taking shape on all sides were still fuzzy. And it was not at all certain Hezbollah would really follow through on the Lebanese government plan that would effectively abolish the militants' military wing. It may have signed on to the deal convinced that Israel would reject it.

But the agreement presents Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with a package she might find hard to ignore when she returns to the region.

The plan approved by the Cabinet was an outline that Saniora presented at an international conference in Rome on Wednesday.

It starts out with an immediate cease-fire. Following that would come:

• the release of Lebanese and Israeli prisoners; Israeli withdrawal behind the border; the return of Lebanese displaced by the fighting.

• moves to resolve the status of Chebaa Farms, a small piece of land held by Israel and claimed by Lebanon. The proposal calls for the U.N. Security Council to commit to putting the area under U.N. control until a final demarcation of the border.

• the provision by Israel of maps of minefields laid during its 18-year occupation of the south.

• "the spreading of Lebanese government authority over the entire country," meaning the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south, with the strengthening and increasing of the small, lightly armed U.N. peacekeeping force currently there.

The provisions do not spell out the order in which the steps must take place, but Saniora has said the government cannot spread its authority in the south unless the Chebaa farms issue is resolved. Israel's hold on Chebaa has provided Hezbollah with a rationale to maintain its arsenal and its "resistance" against Israel.

U.N. experts have previously determined that the territory is part of Syria's Golan Heights, now held by Israel. But Syria has said the patch of land is Lebanon's.

Also left undetermined is the contentious issue of the size and mandate of a peacekeeping force in the south. The current nearly 2,000-member force, deployed since 1978, is virtually ineffectual and its main task now is to patrol the Blue Line, monitor and report violations and deliver aid. Four U.N. border observers were killed in an Israeli airstrike this week.

The Lebanese government has previously rejected international demands that it disarm Hezbollah and move the army into the south. Without Hezbollah consent, the move could tear the country apart due to the movement's deep support among Shiite Muslims.

The rare united stand between Hezbollah and anti-Syrian politicians who dominate the government could give Lebanon a stronger say in any resolution of the conflict. A divided government may encourage unilateral U.N. Security Council action on the Lebanon crisis without consulting Beirut.

Visiting EU envoys, led by Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, met Friday with Saniora and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the de facto negotiator for Hezbollah.

Tuomioja, representing the EU Finnish presidency, said the troika appreciated the Lebanese government's plan which "we think forms a good basis for a regional agreement."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060729/ap_on_re_mi_ea/mideast_fighting_peace_package

alexz

07-29-2006, 01:48 AM

Bint Jbeil: 6 troops hurt, 26 gunmen killed
IDF soldiers clash with Hizbullah gunmen attempting to infiltrate area
secured by paratroopers in southern Lebanon village

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3282867,00.html

alexz

07-29-2006, 02:08 AM

.................Removed

OldRecon

07-29-2006, 03:57 AM

Unarmed in the Crossfire

U.N. troops in southern Lebanon are literally and figuratively trapped between the two sides.
By Megan K. Stack, Times Staff Writer
July 28, 2006

NAQOURA, Lebanon — Trapped between a sea full of Israeli gunships and hills teeming with Hezbollah guerrillas, U.N. troops hunkered down in bomb shelters Thursday while somebody else's war raged outside.

Refugees working their way north cursed them for failing to provide enough medicine, shelter or food. Supplies at the United Nations base were running low; they hadn't had bread in five days.

Israeli gunboats lobbed shells into the hills that rise behind the base. And Hezbollah's fighters were at it again, shooting off rockets into Israel from a patch of turf a few football fields from the front gate.

"Southern Lebanon," one of the peacekeepers, Ryszard Morczynski, began. He paused. "If you flatten the country and make it a parking lot, then you will disarm Hezbollah."

Sent years ago to monitor a peace that never came to pass, the U.N. force here today is embittered and besieged, imprisoned without weapons in its base as rockets and missiles cross paths overhead.

The deaths of four of their colleagues Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike on another United Nations post only deepened the troops' collective insecurity.

Their toothless, and ultimately futile, mission to oversee the pacification of southern Lebanon offers a telling glimpse of the fate that could await Israel in its efforts to crush Hezbollah — and a cautionary tale for a U.S.-backed notion that international troops might fare better than the Israelis against the Shiite Muslim guerrillas.

The U.N. headquarters here, a barbed-wire-encircled sprawl that rambles downhill toward the Mediterranean Sea, is wedged in a Hezbollah stronghold. The face of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini frowns down on the road; a looming model of Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock is impaled on a pole just outside the base walls. The mosque, a much-invoked symbol of the Muslim-Jewish struggle for Jerusalem, is rendered here in yellow, the color of Hezbollah.

Hassan Siklawi was edgy and nervous as he drove among the offices and bunkers of the base, hunched over the steering wheel of a U.N. jeep.

He pulled hungrily on Winstons and tugged anxiously at the skin of his face.

"See, we're working, man. Everybody's blaming us," he said, waving a hand in the direction of a convoy of aid trucks that rumbled toward the base gate. "We got two shells in here. It's not easy, my friend."

Being trapped literally and figuratively between the two sides has put the U.N. troops on edge. Nobody here ventures through the gates to the outside world without phoning the Israeli army with a painstaking description of the vehicles and their routes — and a plea to be spared an attack.

Israel often takes hours to approve even routine trips, officials here said ruefully.

Hezbollah guerrillas also endanger U.N. troops by systematically setting up rocket launches alongside U.N. bases, either in the hope that Israel will think twice before firing back, or with the cynical aim of generating bad publicity for Israel by enticing it to bomb peacekeeping troops. They had sidled up to the U.N. bases to strike Israel at least four times in 24 hours this week, officials here said.

The telltale sounds rolled through the Naqoura headquarters Thursday: a thud followed by the fluttering, arching whine of outgoing rocket fire. Hezbollah fighters were just outside the base, shooting rockets toward Israel.

Startled officials craned their necks in the direction of the front gate. Turning on their heels, they began to herd everybody in sight toward the bomb shelters.

Heavy shelling had been going on for hours, but the Hezbollah rocket launch on the base's perimeter posed a more serious threat. Israeli airpower might be called in to smite the Shiite fighters.

"If there's a retaliation, it might be accurate," Morczynski said, "or it might not."

"They hit one yesterday," another U.N. official muttered gloomily. "So why not today?"

The sound of jets swelled in the skies over the base. The officials walked faster. A voice scratched with unnerving, automatic calm from mounted speakers: "All personnel proceed to shelter immediately."

Air raid sirens screeched to life in the Israeli town of Nahariya and carried over the border to the base.

"They're taking the cover of villages or U.N. positions to act, hoping this proximity to people will be a problem to [Israeli troops] when they have to respond," said Gen. Alain Pellegrini, commander of the U.N. force, who met with reporters inside a bomb shelter. But Israel "doesn't take this into account."

Fear of attack from Israel shadows life on the base, which has been struck by two Israeli shells since the outbreak of fighting.

Top officials here, who spent hours entreating Israel to cease the attacks on their observation post before Tuesday's fatal strike, say they believe it was deliberately destroyed.

"There is at least one thing sure," Pellegrini said. "This objective was very carefully aimed at and very professionally hit."

Col. Jacques Colleville was on the telephone with the Israeli military that night.

He explained that the post had already been hit and damaged, and begged Israel to stop shelling, he said.

We'll call you back, he says he was told. But nobody called. Within 2 1/2 hours of the last phone call, U.N. officials heard the post had been demolished.

"It happens every day," Colleville said glumly. "But not always with the same consequence."

Hamstrung by the one of the world's stickiest diplomatic conflicts, the U.N. has turned inward. Its relevance has dwindled as its peacekeeping mission receded into the realm of the utterly impractical.

"What is frustrating is having no means to control what they do," Colleville said. "We talk to one side, we talk to the other side, and then we wait for them to agree.

"How would I disarm them?" he joked of Hezbollah. "With my telephone?"

U.N. peacekeepers were first sent to Lebanon almost three decades ago to observe the withdrawal of Israel and the extension of Beirut's authority over southern Lebanon.

But thanks to a weak and war-battered Lebanese government, their raison d'etre has dangled in limbo for years. Israel withdrew in 2000, but the central government never got a grip on the Hezbollah-dominated southern hinterlands.

"They never installed Lebanese units in the south. They didn't do it," Pellegrini said. "As they didn't want to do it, we couldn't oblige them to…. Hezbollah was too independent and out of control."

The U.N. observers sat by while an unchecked Hezbollah consolidated political control over the south, built up its arsenal and girded itself to do battle once again with the nemesis across the border.

They had no choice, they say: Hezbollah could be tamed only with the use of force, which is not part of their mandate.

"You have to be able to impose international will," Pellegrini said. "You need heavy weapons and strong rules of engagement."

But this is the bind that will face any military that tries to tangle with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon: The organization will fight fiercely to keep its guns, and its widespread grass-roots popularity makes the militia capable of mounting a fierce insurgency.

The peacekeepers couldn't be here, U.N. officials acknowledge, if Hezbollah didn't tolerate them. And if they were cracking heads, they would no longer be tolerated.

Hundreds of angry refugees flooded the headquarters here Wednesday, but the U.N. had little food to give them.

The refugees were sheltered overnight in a massive tent on the base, but discontent seethed among the people. One of the refugees phoned Al Jazeera television and complained that the U.N. had set dogs upon them.

Miffed and embarrassed, U.N. troops packed the evacuees into buses Thursday and sent them off over the dusty, twisting roads that snake north through the bomb craters

tuercas

07-29-2006, 03:58 AM

[translated sumary]Khaibar-1 rocket deployed today by Hezbolla has a capacity of 100kg of explosives , this is in comparison with the last large rocket in use by Hizb, the Fajr-5 with a capacity of 45 kilos, the Khaibar-1 landed in Israeli territory today 07/28/2006, no casualties where reported by Israeli authorities.

original story

Noticieros Televisa (Mexico)
in Spanish
http://www.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/internacionales/554552.html

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 05:34 AM

UN calls for aid truce in Lebanon

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41943000/jpg/_41943110_hospital_ap203b.jpg
The UN wants the injured to be evacuated during a truce

The UN has called for a three-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah to allow for aid to enter southern Lebanon and for casualties to be removed.

UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland said children, elderly and disabled had been left stranded by two weeks of fighting.
US President George W Bush has again dismissed calls for an immediate truce, arguing instead for an international force to be deployed in Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returns to the region on Saturday.
President Bush said he would "work with the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to seize this opportunity to achieve lasting peace and stability for both of their countries".
Ms Rice is expected to lobby for a UN Security Council resolution that would lead to an international force being deployed in southern Lebanon.

Troop contributions

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who met Mr Bush in Washington on Friday, said world leaders would discuss the deployment of a "stabilisation force" in Lebanon at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.

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Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Lebanon crisis (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/5223850.stm)

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said countries who may be in a position to contribute troops to an international force would attend Monday's meeting.
"Obviously it will be preliminary discussions because we do not have the mandate of the Security Council yet," Mr Annan said.
The UN Security Council is due to discuss the issue later next week.
Mr Bush said the US and UK will push for a "Chapter Seven resolution setting out a clear framework for cessation of hostilities on an urgent basis and mandating the multinational force".

UN 'not impotent'

Briefing the Security Council on Friday, Mr Egeland said some 600 people had been killed by Israeli action in Lebanon, of which around a third were children.

"It's been horrific... There is something fundamentally wrong with the war, where there are more dead children than armed men," Mr Egeland said.
He said he would ask the parties involved in the conflict "for at least a 72-hour start of this cessation of hostilities so that we can evacuate the wounded, children, the elderly, the disabled from the crossfire in southern Lebanon".
He said existing humanitarian corridors were not adequate to meet the immense needs of people in the war zone.
Mr Egeland was speaking after completing a visit to Lebanon, Israel and the Gaza Strip.
The UN's Deputy Secretary General has denied the world body feels powerless after the loss of four peacekeepers to Israeli fire in Lebanon this week.
Mark Malloch-Brown told the BBC the UN felt "concerned and frustrated, but not impotent".
The UN Security Council issued a statement on Thursday voicing "shock and distress" at the deaths, after the US blocked calls for harsher criticism of Israel.

Critical needs

Israeli army chief Dan Halutz said Israel has killed 26 Hezbollah fighters in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, inflicting "enormous" damage on the Shia militia.

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A convoy carrying a TV crew and refugees was hit on Friday

Ten civilians, including a Jordanian, also reportedly died in Israeli attacks in south Lebanon on Friday.
Earlier, Hezbollah said it had fired a new long-range rocket, called the Khaibar-1, into northern Israel.
Also on Friday, two mortar rounds hit a convoy of vehicles evacuating civilians from the village of Rmeish, close to the Israeli border. Two people travelling in a German TV car were wounded.
Refugees from Rmeish said conditions were deteriorating rapidly in the area.
They said some of those still trapped in the village were drinking water from a stagnant pond.
A senior official at the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Lebanon told the BBC that supplies were "running out very, very fast" in southern Lebanon.
"The south is definitely where the critical needs are at the moment. You've got active combat going on, several tens if not hundreds of thousands of persons displaced within the south," Arafat Jamal said. Aid agencies also said that many people in the area were in urgent need of medical treatment.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5226076.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 05:36 AM

Mercy mission into Beirut airport

By Jon Leyne
BBC News, Beirut
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From the air, the swimming pools at the luxury hotels are a rich blue. Beirut is still the high-rise capital of the Middle East; the most stylish city in the Arab world.

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A huge bomb crater is positioned in the middle of the runway.

Or perhaps it is just a mirage.
Today that was the view from an aid plane, bringing urgently needed supplies of food and medicine to this beleaguered city.
I joined a Jordanian Air Force plane in Amman, Jordan, for this mercy mission.
This was one of the first flights into Beirut since the fighting began - the only tangible outcome from many days of depressing diplomacy.
To reach the Lebanese capital, we followed a flight plan precisely coordinated with the Israeli Air force. It was a zig-zag that took us out to sea, well away from the dangerous airspace over southern Lebanon.
Beneath us, Israeli warships patrolled the Lebanese coast.
Israeli warplanes knocked out Beirut airport early in this current conflict. There is still a huge bomb crater, precisely positioned in the middle of the main runway.
Before our flight could land, Jordanian engineers patched up another runway. It is still not safe for commercial aircraft.
Less than two weeks ago this airport was teeming with life. Businesspeople and tourists enjoyed the normality of the new Lebanon. Now the airport is eerily deserted.
As our military plane moved to a standstill, airport workers descended on the cargo, rushing to offload the desperately needed supplies.

Desperately-needed aid

Across the Arab world there are telethons, fund raising drives, emotional appeals for assistance for the Lebanese people.
There is no shortage of aid. The problem is getting it through to the people who need it.
Jordan seems to have been allowed into Beirut airport, because of its peace treaty with Israel.
The Jordanians are focussing on setting up a field hospital. It's a makeshift affair, housed in a school in downtown Beirut. But it has operating theatres, x-rays, even the capacity to carry out plastic surgery.

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The Jordanians flew in supplies to set up a field hospital

It was not due to open until the day after we visited. But already there was a steady stream of patients, most of them evacuees from southern Lebanon.
Mohammed Baidoun brought his young son in for treatment for apparent food poisoning. His family fled from the town of Shahabiyeh in southern Lebanon.
His bitterness towards the Israelis was balanced by his effusive gratitude for the medical care.
"We thank every nation, whether Jordanian or Saudi or Egyptian, for their help in treating these children," he said. "Thank you." But these are the lucky ones. Aid workers say getting help to the embattled villages in the south is close to impossible. Until there is a ceasefire, that is unlikely to change.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5226120.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 06:09 AM

In the Israeli army - relatives speak

Israel is calling up thousands of reserve troops in the third week of its attempt to crush Hezbollah - and retrieve two captured soldiers.
Relatives of soldiers talk of their concerns - and grief - over the conflict.

EFRAT PAZ, NETANYA, ISRAEL

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Major Ran Yehoshua Kochva died in action on July 20th

My nephew Ran was killed last week when his Apache helicopter crashed in northern Israel.
He had been called up two days earlier. He was married with a five-year-old daughter and twins of 11 months.
He had served one day a week since he was 21. He was 37 when he died.
He was very passionate and loved the land of Israel. He was ready to serve his country.
The family is only learning now how dangerous his missions were. He flew the Apache helicopter and that's a warplane. His work was more dangerous than we realised.
He has three brothers who also serve in front-line positions.

High price

They grew up in a household that was very proud and dedicated to Israel. They all have a strong sense of duty.
My mother's brother was killed in Yom Kippur [the war in 1973]; I have another nephew killed in the war in Lebanon in the 1980s; and now my sister's son has died.
Ran was a very upright and talented person. An architect. Quite modest, not a show-off. He was a special child, very attractive.
He loved nature. If he flew over somewhere that looked nice he would make a note of it and take his family there.
It is a very high price to pay. And we pray that this is the end of it.

JANICE LEBERMAN, PHILADELPHIA, USA

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Hemi Leberman is serving on the Gaza border

My son left Britain to take Israeli citizenship two-and-a-half years ago.
He's doing his regular service in a tank unit on the border with Gaza.
I hope he stays there - it's much better than in the north.
Hemi is pretty much a left-winger; he went to Israel because he's always been proud to be a Jew and feels strongly that Israel is the homeland of the Jews. He knew he'd have to serve in the army - he didn't try to avoid it.
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I am a mother thousands of miles away in Philadelphia. When you're in Israel virtually everyone has a very close relative who's serving. It touches every single person. Sometimes I feel very isolated here.
I have to tell you, I was in the car listening to National Public Radio and it said the tanks are rolling into Gaza. I felt physically sick.
I call him all the time. The worst thing in the world is when the phone is switched off. It can be 24 or 48 hours.
The IDF [Israel Defence Forces] is very good; my son told me he would have to be in a tank for 72 hours. He has times when they tell him: "OK, you can ring your family".
The cell phone has been a great invention.

RAFI WOLFSON, MESSILOT KIBBUTZ, NORTHERN ISRAEL

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Noam Wolfson is serving in southern Israel

My son Noam was released from regular service two years ago. He's just been called to serve again, luckily on the southern border with Egypt.
Nobody's happy to go - it's a duty you do for the country.
I think people from the kibbutz are more willing to volunteer for the fighting units.
The kibbutz population is maybe 1-1.5% of the whole population, but its casualty figure in war is proportionally much higher than that.
Kibbutzniks are brought up in a community in which they are obliged to give, to serve. So it's easier for them in a way because they are used to the communal spirit required of an organisation like the army.
On the other hand, most kibbutzniks are left-wing. I'd say about 90% of us vote for the Labour Party. Their political awareness tends to be higher than that of other citizens. Noam doesn't know how long he'll be serving. I served six months in Yom Kippur in 1973. I hope it won't be that long for him.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/5224920.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 06:10 AM

Arab leaders fear rise of Hezbollah

By Roger Hardy
BBC Middle East analyst
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Protesters in the Arab world have shown support for Hezbollah

Hezbollah is riding a wave of popularity on the Arab street. Not since it played a role in forcing Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon in 2000 has it enjoyed such adulation.

Its leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah is enjoying something akin to a personality cult.
At a time when Arab governments are seen as largely powerless to influence events, Hezbollah is seen as taking on the Israelis - and behind the Israelis, the American superpower.
This has put Arab leaders - in particular those allied to the United States - in a difficult quandary.
At the start of this crisis the rulers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan did not hide their view that Hezbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers was "reckless adventurism".
This was unusual enough, but they also openly directed their displeasure at the group's backers, Syria and Iran.
Their stance pleased the Bush administration but was roundly criticised at home.
They were seen as siding with the Israelis against the new champions of the Palestinian cause.

Dark warnings

Now there is a distinct shift.
Washington's Arab friends are pressing urgently for an immediate ceasefire.
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has warned darkly of the danger of a wider regional war.
Saudi television this week organised a day-long appeal - or "telethon" - which raised some $29 million (£15.55 million) for Lebanon.

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Protestors in the Arab world have shown support for Hezbollah

The Saudi media made much of the fact that the king and the crown prince made handsome personal donations.
In addition the Saudi state has given $1.5 billion (£800 million) to support the Lebanese pound and help rebuild the shattered country.
It is not that these rulers have changed their minds.
They fear the growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah.
They believe the regional balance of power is shifting in Iran's favour.
They think Iran and Hezbollah are trying to hijack the Palestinian cause.
Some Saudi religious figures have gone much further. For them the issue is not so much political as sectarian.
One well-known sheikh, Abdullah bin Jabreen, has issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, declaring it illegal for Muslims to join, support or even pray for Hezbollah.
This reflects the view of conservatives in the Saudi religious establishment that the Shia are not proper Muslims and are not to be trusted.

Joining the bandwagon

But the critics of Hezbollah find themselves in the minority.

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The predominant view in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world is overwhelmingly supportive of Hezbollah.
For most people, the Palestinian cause transcends sectarian differences.
Even al-Qaeda, no friend of the Shia, has felt obliged to speak out.
The group's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has issued a video saying no Muslim can stay silent in the face of events in Lebanon. Al-Qaeda does not want to be upstaged.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5224650.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 07:44 AM

UN deaths 'threaten peacekeeping'

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The UN said it wanted to "get to the bottom" of what happened

The UN has warned the deaths of four of its personnel in southern Lebanon may deter countries from contributing to a future peacekeeping force in the area.

UN deputy chief Mark Malloch-Brown said they accepted Israel's apology for the losses to Israeli fire, but still had "serious concerns" about what happened.
The UN has called for a three-day truce to let aid enter Lebanon, but Israel has rejected the request.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returns to the region on Saturday.
She is expected to lobby for a UN Security Council resolution that would lead to an international force being deployed in southern Lebanon.
The US president has again dismissed calls for an immediate truce.

The UN says some 600 people have been killed by Israeli action in Lebanon, of which about a third were children.
Fifty-one Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed, mostly by Hezbollah rockets.
The Israeli assault began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
In other developments:

Lebanon has said an Israeli attack on fuel tanks at a power plant has created the biggest environmental disaster the Mediterranean region has known
A bridge has been destroyed in the eastern Bekaa valley as the Israeli air force continues its bombardment of Lebanon
Several rockets have been launched at the northern Israel town of Safid amid further fire by Hezbollah.'Serious threat'

Israel said Tuesday's deaths in a strike on a UN base were an accident - but UN officials said they had contacted Israel a dozen times before the bombing and asked them to stop firing, which Israel did not.

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Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Lebanon crisis (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5223850.stm)

Mr Malloch-Brown told the BBC the UN "continued to harbour serious concerns about what went on in the Israeli military forces that day".
He said the losses posed a "very serious threat to the whole concept of neutral peacekeeping.
"Peacekeeping is a dangerous business and we depend on the support of the international community," he said.
"When people die it is not a simple accident to be brushed away."
The UN Security Council issued a statement voicing "shock and distress" at the deaths, after the US blocked calls for harsher criticism of Israel.
Mr Malloch-Brown said Washington would have to "think hard" about the consequences of its move for the recruitment of an international force.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said world leaders would discuss the deployment of a "stabilisation force" at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said countries who may be in a position to contribute troops would attend the meeting on the proposal, which is due for discussion by the Security Council later next week.

Truce 'unnecessary'

The UN has said children, elderly and disabled have been left stranded and supplies are "running out very, very fast" in southern Lebanon after two weeks of fighting.

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The UN wants the injured to be evacuated during a truce

Aid agencies also said many in the area were in urgent need of medical treatment.
But an Israeli government spokesman said there was no need for a temporary ceasefire.
Avi Pazner said Israel had opened a humanitarian corridor to allow aid in and out of southern Lebanon and accused Hezbollah of deliberately preventing aid from reaching the area. Correspondents say there is concern in Israel that Hezbollah might use such a truce to replenish its stock of weapons.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5226502.stm)

Snoshi

07-29-2006, 07:48 AM

Israel: No need for ceasefire

Officials in Jerusalem say Israel rejected UN request for 72-hour pause to allow evacuation of residents from south Lebanon, transfer of aid; Rice to meet Olmert in Jerusalem Saturday evening
Ronny Sofer

Israel rejected Saturday afternoon a request by the United Nations for a 72-hour ceasefire for humanitarian considerations, officials in Jerusalem said.

The United Nations argued that a ceasefire is necessary to allow humanitarian organizations to evacuate the elderly, children and injured people from south Lebanon to more secure locations.

"There is no need for a 72-hour temporary ceasefire because Israel has opened a humanitarian corridor to-and-from Lebanon," said Israeli government spokesman Avi Pazner.

******* contributed to this report

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283021,00.html

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 09:44 AM

Doubts over 'new Middle East'

By Frank Gardner
BBC Security Correspondent

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Hassan Nasrallah's Hezbollah has the respect of many Arabs

Somewhere in the archives of the BBC's Jerusalem bureau there is a videotaped news report from five years ago, marked 'Lebanon Border Flashpoint'.

On the tape a 30-something reporter strides purposefully over the thistle-strewn hills of northern Galilee and waves a theatrical arm towards Lebanon to the north, and Syria to the east.
"This contested region", he declares portentously, "is where some in the Israeli military believe the next Middle East war will begin".
The reporter was me. I was up on that border to report on the latest clashes between Israeli troops and their implacable foe, Hezbollah. Plus ca change, you might think.
But today, say America and Israel, it's different. Things just cannot be allowed to go back to the way they were, with a heavily-armed Arab militia lurking just across Israel's border.

'New Middle East'

There's talk in Washington of 'a new Middle East', a place where the moderate Arab majority refuse to allow the region to be plunged into conflict by troublemakers like Hezbollah and its allies, Syria and Iran.
So is that realistic, or is it wishful thinking?
America's critics have certainly been quick to dismiss the idea of a new Middle East which they say is drawn up along lines that suit the US and Israel.

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This week the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, itself reeling from Israeli air strikes, said the new plan was based on the illusion that the existing political forces in the region could be removed.
"What new Middle East?" snorted Lebanon's Information Minister. He said US proposals for a reformed Middle East had only led to death and destruction in Iraq.
And in Iran, the hardline press has even turned the idea on its head. "Hezbollah has disturbed all the West's equations in the region", trumpeted the conservative newspaper Resalat, adding "Hezbollah is talking about a new Middle East - in which there is no room for Israel!"
The close relationship between Iran, Syria and the Shia Lebanese militia Hezbollah has prompted some to question whether Tehran was perhaps behind the latest flare-up of violence.

Repeated conflict

Just before it began, Iran was coming under heavy international pressure to suspend its uranium enrichment programme, suspected of leading to a nuclear bomb.
But Western intelligence sources say they have no hard evidence - either from human informants or from intercepted communications - that Iran instructed Hezbollah to seize the two Israeli soldiers this month, and thence trigger the conflict in Lebanon.
But Iran, which would like to see Israel eliminated as a state, is clearly delighted that an Arab-Israeli conflict is once more back at the centre of world attention.
Iran helped establish Hezbollah back in 1982 in an effort to export its Islamic Revolution into the Arab world.
Since then Hezbollah has achieved some notoriety in pioneering the suicide truck bomb, blowing up US targets in Beirut and kidnapping western hostages.

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Lebanon, Syria and Israel have always been uneasy neighbours

Iranian Revolutionary Guardsmen have trained Hezbollah's Lebanese fighters and Iranian missiles are supplied to them through Syria.
Although Hezbollah is a Shia organisation it has won huge respect amongst many Arabs at street level, as the only fighting force prepared to take on the might of the Israeli military.
They widely credit it with driving Israeli forces out of south Lebanon six years ago.

Political chessboard

This week, the yellow flags of Hezbollah have been fluttering in the streets of Gaza, while portraits of its bearded, turbaned and bespectacled leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, are on public display in Damascus souk.
All this is very annoying for the moderate, pro-Western governments in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.
They don't like violent change and they don't like Hezbollah, they don't like Iran's current regime and they are wary of a new axis of Shia power stretching across the region, from Iran, through Iraq, to Lebanon.
The last thing those pro-western governments wanted to see was a resurgent guerrilla force upsetting the political chessboard in the region.
Their rulers are all too aware of Hezbollah's appeal to their own populations, who grumble privately that this Lebanese militia has done more than their own timid governments have to confront what they call "Israeli aggression".

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Iran's rockets and uranium enrichment have alarmed the West

So a recent editorial in the pro-government Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh insisted that Hezbollah's "adventurous stance" had been confronted by the "reasonable stance" of a number of Arab countries.
"What is needed urgently now", said the editorial, "is an Arab strategic plan to confront the Iranian strategic plan". It was, it said, a matter of life and death.
So behind every conflict in this troubled region there lurk so many layers of conflicting interests, national, religious, and ethnic, sometimes working in concert, mostly not.
Navigating one's way through this labyrinth is always a challenge for any journalist in the Middle East.
If you don't take someone's side then they invariable think you're against them.
But it's a challenge I've always relished, and one I'm just about to experience again as I fly back to the Middle East this afternoon to report once more for the BBC.

From Our Own Correspondent was broadcast on Saturday, 29 July, 2006 at 1130 BST on BBC Radio 4. Please check the programme schedules for World Service transmission times.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/5226838.stm)

THREE WAYS TO LISTEN AGAIN
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saigonsmuggler

07-29-2006, 11:58 AM

Israel pulls out of Hezbollah stronghold By KATHY GANNON, Associated Press Writer
44 minutes ago

JERUSALEM - Israel said Saturday it had pulled forces out of Hezbollah's stronghold in south Lebanon after completing its current operation there. Meanwhile, Israeli planes targeted bridges in southern and eastern Lebanon in new airstrikes Saturday, destroying one in a resort area on the Syrian border, as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was returning to the region to try to broker peace.

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After two air raids destroyed the bridge over the Orontes river in the Bekaa Valley, cutting off the town of Hermel from the rest of the country, Israel said it was flying new missions against bridges in southern Lebanon but provided no further details.

Residents said there were no casualties in the attack in the Bekaa Valley.

The Israeli army also said Saturday that seven of its soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, in heavy fighting the day before when Hezbollah attacked a ridge overlooking the villages of Bint Jbail and Maroun al-Ras — areas of strong support for the guerrilla movement.

As the fighting continued, Rice was bringing a package of proposals to Lebanese and Israeli leaders aimed at ending the fighting. She plans to meet first with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem on Saturday night, said Mark Regev, spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry.

Rice's peace plan seeks an international agreement on a U.N.-mandated multinational force that can provide stability in the region, according to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.

It also proposes disarming Hezbollah and integrating the guerrilla force into the Lebanese army, a commitment to resolve the status of a piece of land held by Israel and claimed by Lebanon, a no-go buffer zone be set up in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah returning Israeli prisoners, and the creation of an international reconstruction plan for Lebanon.

Israeli Cabinet Minister Avi Dichter said on Israel radio Saturday that it was unacceptable for Lebanon's government "to hide behind the claim that a terror organization is operating on their ground and they cannot stop it." He said Israel holds the government fully accountable for what Hezbollah is doing there and that "Lebanon is paying the full price these days."

At least 445 Lebanese have been killed in the fighting that broke out July 12 after Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others in a cross-border raid. Most casualties have been civilians, and some estimates range as high as 600 dead.

Thirty-three Israeli soldiers have died in fighting, and Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel have killed 19 civilians, the Israeli army said. The army said Israeli troops have killed about 200 Hezbollah guerrillas, but Hezbollah has reported only 35 losses.

The United States, backed by Britain, has adopted a diplomatic stance not embraced by most allies, insisting that any cease-fire must come with conditions to address long-standing regional disputes. Many Europeans and Arab countries are increasing the pressure for an immediate cease-fire first, followed by a plan to tackle the more complicated issues of curbing Hezbollah's guerrillas.

Both sides agree on the idea of bringing international forces into the south to end Hezbollah's decade-long free reign there — but still unresolved is how and when.

A groundswell of support has grown in the Arab world for Hezbollah, which many regional governments initially criticized for provoking the conflict.

In remarks published Saturday, Egypt's Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa — one of the country's most influential religious leaders — described Hezbollah raids on Israel as "defense of its country and not terrorism." Egyptian cleric Sheik Youssef el-Qaradawi, one of most prominent Sunni religious scholars in the Arab world who lives in Qatar, on Thursday issued a religious edict saying support for the guerrillas was "a religious duty of every Muslim."

Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday signaled that it intends to escalate the battle, announcing that it used a new type of rocket to strike the northern Israeli town of Afula, about 30 miles from the border. The rocket, a Khaibar-1, was named after the site of a famed battle between Islam's prophet Muhammad and Jewish tribes in the Arabian peninsula, the group said.

Five of the rockets crashed into empty fields outside Afula on Friday, causing no injuries

"With this, the Islamic Resistance begins a new stage of fighting, challenge and confrontation with a strong determination and full belief in God's victory," Hezbollah said in a statement.

Israel said the Khaibar-1 rockets were renamed Iranian-made Fajr-5s. They have four times the power and range of Katyusha rockets, making them able to hit Tel Aviv's northern outskirts.

Hundreds of Katyushas have hit northern Israel in the current fighting, including 96 on Friday, one of which hit a hospital.

Israel deployed a Patriot interceptor missile battery north of Tel Aviv, believing the area could be in range of Hezbollah's barrages.

At the same time, scores of Israeli missile strikes and artillery rained down around towns and roads in southern Lebanon on Friday, targeting rocket sites and buildings believed connected to Hezbollah but wreaking destruction in populated areas.

One airstrike flattened a house in the village of Hadatha, and six people inside were believed dead or wounded, the Lebanese state news agency reported. Hezbollah's al-Manar TV said all six were dead.

The United Nations moved 50 unarmed observers from their posts to the better protected positions of 2,000 lightly armed U.N. peacekeepers along the border, after an Israeli bomb killed four observers this week.

With medicine, food and shelter still only trickling to the war zone in the south, the U.N. humanitarian chief called for a three-day truce to allow help get in and thousands of civilians trapped in the fighting to get out — a call that got no response.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060729/ap_on_re_mi_ea/lebanon_israel_564;_ylt=AklApXIg4xGMV4.W6lA3GnMUvioA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

Irish

07-29-2006, 12:19 PM

Israel rejects call for 72-hour ceasefire (http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0729/lebanon.html)

DeltaWhisky58

07-29-2006, 12:25 PM

Israel rejects UN aid truce call

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41943000/jpg/_41943808_lebboy_ap203b.jpg
Many have been forced from their homes, but others remain trapped

Israel has rejected a United Nations call for a three-day truce in southern Lebanon, as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives in Israel.

The UN says children, elderly and disabled are trapped and supplies are short after two weeks of fighting.
But an Israeli spokesman said there was no need for a truce as they had opened a humanitarian corridor to the area.
Ms Rice is expected to discuss proposals to deploy a multinational force in southern Lebanon.
However, the UN has warned the deaths of four of its personnel may deter countries from contributing to a future force.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41932000/gif/_41932684_leb_is_gaz_launch_4map203.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Trauma unabated (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm)

The UN says some 600 people have been killed by Israeli action in Lebanon, of which about a third were children.
Fifty-one Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed, mostly by Hezbollah rockets.
The Israeli assault began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
In other developments:

A mother and her five children have been killed in a new wave of Israeli air raids on Lebanon
Israeli forces say they have pulled out of the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which has seen heavy clashes
Lebanon has said an Israeli attack on fuel tanks at a power plant has created the biggest environmental disaster the Mediterranean region has known
Several rockets have been launched at the northern Israel town of Safid amid further fire by Hezbollah.Israeli officials have indicated to the BBC that Israel may be willing to stop fighting as soon as a UN resolution is passed next week - and before the arrival of international peacekeepers.
But they say a ceasefire must meet certain key conditions, including a guarantee that Hezbollah will not move back into positions close to the border nor re-arm.
Meanwhile, Israeli military sources have indicated that the fighting could intensify.
The BBC's diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams says Israel would prefer a deal but they are publicly prepared to continue fighting if they do not get one.

'Think hard'

The US secretary of state is expected to talk to Israeli and Lebanese leaders about proposals to deploy a multinational force, as part of what US President George W Bush calls a viable plan for ending hostilities.

World leaders are due to discuss a deployment at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said countries who may be in a position to contribute troops would attend the meeting on the proposal, which is due for discussion by the Security Council later next week.
Earlier, the UN deputy chief issued a warning over the peacekeeper deaths in an Israeli strike on a UN base.
Mark Malloch-Brown said they had accepted Israel's apology, but still had "serious concerns" about what happened.
UN officials said they had contacted Israel a dozen times before the bombing and asked them to stop firing, which Israel did not.
Mr Malloch-Brown said the losses posed a "very serious threat to the whole concept of neutral peacekeeping.
"Peacekeeping is a dangerous business and we depend on the support of the international community," he said.
Washington would have to "think hard" about the consequences of its failure to condemn the killings for the recruitment of an international force, he added. The UN Security Council issued a statement voicing "shock and distress" at the deaths, after the US blocked calls for harsher criticism of Israel.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5226996.stm)

Flavius22

07-29-2006, 12:36 PM

Guns in the Closet-(southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah fighter w/video)
hotzone ^ | 7/28/06 | Kevin Sites,

Posted on 07/29/2006 8:36:08 AM PDT by Flavius

SOUTHERN LEBANON - Plumes of black smoke begin to fan out over the coastline in the distance. We ask someone in town what has happened. He tells us it's the power plant; the Israelis have struck it with a missile. But it's impossible to confirm because the roads leading to it were bombed early in the offensive.

In fact, Lebanon's main north-south road is so pocked with bomb craters, blown-out bridges and blasted highway spans that there is only one route left for drivers headed into Beirut.

Twisted cars and wreckage litter the roadside. Craters, some as wide as 60 feet, have filled with water and become small lakes. Video

Hezbollah fighter reveals the weaponry inside his house» View

It is in this unfortunate but familiar reality for Lebanon that the new landscape is being formed — deepening current loyalties rather than shifting them.

Nowhere is that more clear than in the area I am traveling today, a Hezbollah stronghold north of the city of Tyre. Here, I am told, few families have fled. Instead, they are waiting for the call of Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah to come south to fight the Israelis.

And there do seem to be more people on the streets and more families still in their homes, compared with areas further south, where so many have joined white flag convoys fleeing the fighting — as well as the uncertainty of where this conflict may lead.

It's not a difficult or even particularly mysterious undertaking to meet members of Hezbollah. Politically, they are part of the current Lebanese government and have been highly visible throughout the country, particularly for the millions of Shias in Lebanon. But it is Hezbollah's militia with which Israel says it is at war.

In the Mideast, many credit Hezbollah's militia with inflicting heavy losses on the Israeli Army and forcing Israel to withdraw from Lebanon in 2000. In the West, the group is widely condemned as a terrorist organization, supported by Syria and Iran. It has been responsible for numerous attacks on Israel, including the incident the sparked the latest conflict, as well as the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, which left 241 servicemen dead.

Even its critics concede that Hezbollah is well-organized politically and highly disciplined militarily. "They are an integral part of the fabric of Shia society here," a source with an intimate knowledge of Hezbollah who did not want to be identified told me. "It's a fallacy to think they can be cleaned out or eliminated."

I'm asked if I want to meet a Hezbollah fighter in his village and speak with him briefly.

We meet "Hussein" at his home and sit down to talk in his living room, while his four-month-old baby daughter lies on a blanket on the floor. He is in his late 20s and has a calm face. He is polite but has a resolute sense about him that creates a cautious distance. Like many fighters, he says, he has another job and only joins the militia when he's needed.

But even though he's not on the front lines now, he says there is still a lot of work to do in the village — like looking for Israeli spies.

"We caught someone last night, he says, "sneaking around in the middle of the night."

I ask him how he knew the person was an Israeli agent.

A Hezbollah fighter's weapons stash

"He had two Lebanese passports," he says, "with the same picture but different names, and when we asked him a simple question he gave us a confusing answer."

"What do you do with 'spies' after you catch them?" I ask.

"We question them for a while," he says, "then turn them over to the (Lebanese) army."

As for the fighting in the south, he says it's not necessary for him to leave yet.

"I have a job to do and if the Israelis want to come inside," he says, "then we'll do our job and defend our families."

He shows me what he will use to defend them. In a closet in an adjoining bedroom he reaches into the top shelf and pulls out a green shoulder harness full of ammunition clips.

Then, from the corner of the closet, next to some shirts on hangers, he pulls out an American-made M-16 assault rifle and places it on the mattress in the room next to the ammo belt. He goes back to the closet and from the same corner reaches for a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and two canvas shoulder bags. He places these on the bed as well.

I ask if nearly every house in the neighborhood has a stash of small arms like this.

"Some have more," he says, pulling an AK-47 from one of the canvas bags and locking on a 30 round banana clip, named for its banana-like curve. "But the larger weaponry is kept somewhere else."

Not in the houses, he says later, but in secret places.

"Where does the M-16 come from?" I ask.

He says that Hezbollah buys all the weapons, sometimes even from the Lebanese Army.

He then pulls a grenade from the closet, screws on a cylinder of propellant behind it and then loads it into the grenade launcher. He shows me what has to be done before the trigger can be pulled to shoot it.

"Have you ever fired one of those?" I ask.

He smiles as if it were an obvious question. Yes, of course, he replies.

He then puts all the weapons back on the bed for a moment so I can photograph them. Although it's not uncommon for households in the Middle East to have at least an AK-47 around the house, it's incongruous to see the three rifles and grenade launcher beside a baby's bassinet.

Just as quickly as he pulled them out, he puts the weapons back in the closet and we are done. But neither he, nor the rest of the neighborhood, knows for sure how long the weapons will stay there.
video
http://www.yahoo.com/s/357931

Snoshi

07-29-2006, 03:31 PM

IDF leaves Bin Jbeil area

(VIDEO) Most ground forces withdraw following successful overnight battle in which 26 Hizbullah members were killed by paratroopers, IAF in south Lebanon town; IDF preparing for additional raids in region
Hanan Greenberg

VIDEO - IDF forces completed Saturday one of their most important missions in the framework of the operation in Lebanon, and during the morning hours most of the units who took part in Bint Jbeil began to withdraw from the area.

IDF paratroopers and IAF aircraft killed 26 Hizbullah gunmen during an overnight battle in Bint Jbeil.

Successful Operation

IDF leaves Bin Jbeil area / Hanan Greenberg

Most ground forces retreat following successful overnight battle in which 26 Hizbullah members were killed by paratroopers, IAF in south Lebanon town; IDF preparing for additional raids in region
Full Story

IDF officials said more than 200 Hizbullah members have been killed so far, among them about 40 top-level commanders and officials. The army is planning to draft reserve units as planned ahead of possibly larger operations in the near future.

Armor and Engineering Corps forces, and a few infantry units, still remain in the Bint Jbeil region, but the Golani and Paratroopers units have all retreated after completing their mission.

A military official said that some 50 Hizbullah members were killed in Bint Jbeil and dozens more were wounded. According to the official, 26 of the Hizbullah members killed belonged to a special force set up by the terror organization to engage IDF soldiers in the area.

The IDF is now making preparations for additional raids on other south Lebanon towns.

IDF forces in Maroun al-Ras (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

According to the senior IDF officer in addition to the activity on the ground a special IDF force carried out two separate operations during which soldiers infiltrated a Hizbullah command post and returned with maps, two-way radios and additional equipment.

'Hassan continues to destroy Lebanon'

The officer stopped short of estimating the overall damage done to Hizbullah’s rocket-firing capabilities, but did say the organization’s medium-range rocket arsenal was definitely reduced.

On Friday Hizbullah fired for the first time Fajr-5 rockets and Syrian 220-302 millimeter rockets toward Afula.

“Hizbullah has not surrendered yet,” the senior officer said, “but it has been hurt economically, logistically and with regards to the number of members killed and the group’s status in Beirut, especially in the Dahiya quarter.

The officer said that ‘Hizbullah’s attempt to get Amal and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian involved in the fighting Hs partially succeeded,” adding that the transfer of arms from Syria to Lebanon is continuing.

According to the officer, the fact that Hizbullah is firing rockets mainly from the area between the Litani and Zahrani rivers is a sign of distress.

Meanwhile, the IDF is continuing with its psychological warfare in Lebanon; leaflets reading “Hassan (Nasrallah) ignited the fire like a child playing with matches but found out that the IDF’s fire is much stronger than he had anticipated” were scattered throughout the country.

“Hassan continues to destroy Lebanon; will he understand that he was wrong and end your suffering?” the leaflets say.

IDF sources said some 45 targets in Lebanon were attacked since early Saturday, including dozens of Hizbullah weapons caches and vehicles that were transporting arms; a rocket launcher was also struck.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283102,00.html

Kampfbaer

07-29-2006, 04:03 PM

http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,429196,00.html

Lebanese mother and six children killed in airraid at Nmeirija.

http://www.tagesschau.de/aktuell/meldungen/0,1185,OID5762078_TYP6_THE_NAV_REF1_BAB,00.html

Up to 35.000 tons of oil spilled ínto the Mediterranean after IAF attack on power plant.

Paracaidista

07-29-2006, 04:49 PM

Source: The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/29/world/middleeast/29mideast.html?_r=1&th=&oref=slogin&emc=th&pagewanted=print)

July 29, 2006
Diplomacy
Bush and Blair Push Plan to End Mideast Fighting

By JIM RUTENBERG (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/jim_rutenberg/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and HELENE COOPER

WASHINGTON, July 28 — President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/tony_blair/index.html?inline=nyt-per) of Britain said Friday that they would present a plan to end hostilities between Israel (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/israel/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) and Hezbollah (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/h/hezbollah/index.html?inline=nyt-org) at the United Nations (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/united_nations/index.html?inline=nyt-org) next week as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/condoleezza_rice/index.html?inline=nyt-per) headed into an urgent round of weekend meetings in the Middle East to hash out the details.

Facing pressure from Arab and European allies to end the violence, Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair, at a joint White House appearance, painted the broad outlines of a plan in which an international peacekeeping force would insert itself between the warring sides and help the weak Lebanese military take control of the southern region controlled by Hezbollah.

But aides acknowledged that the hard work of figuring out what Lebanon (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/lebanon/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) and Israel would accept, and how an international force would be composed, lay ahead.

Israel wants to weaken Hezbollah and push it well away from the border, and may not be ready to call off its campaign, especially when it has serious doubts that an international force would be strong enough to contain Hezbollah. And Hezbollah, which built its reputation on its willingness to fight Israel, has always rejected calls to disarm, and seems to have a flow of military and financial support from Syria and Iran.

The challenges of any cease-fire plan were evident during another day of heavy fighting that included ominous signs of potential escalation. Hezbollah fired a powerful long-range rocket that it said it had not used before.

It penetrated 30 miles into Israeli territory, and while a few other rockets have traveled that far, Israeli officials said the kind launched Friday can carry more than 200 pounds of explosives, making it much more powerful than the Katyusha rocket that Hezbollah has mainly used. Several were launched as part of a barrage of at least 100 rockets that pounded Israel on Friday.

Israel continued its own intensive airstrikes and artillery barrages in southern Lebanon, and warned civilians south of the Litani River to move north in a sign that it would move farther into Lebanese territory. At least 13 people were killed in the strikes, adding to a death toll of at least 400, according to Lebanese officials, who say most of those people were civilians.

The rising civilian death toll has placed added pressure on Mr. Bush from European and Arab allies who have called for an immediate cease-fire. But Mr. Bush has said that Israel cannot stop its attacks unless Hezbollah does first. Still, after a 90-minute meeting in the Oval Office, Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair voiced concern about mounting civilian casualties, and said they were eager to see the fighting end as quickly as possible.

“Our top priorities in Lebanon are providing immediate humanitarian relief, achieving an end to the violence, ensuring the return of displaced persons, and assisting with reconstruction,” Mr. Bush said.

But both reiterated their position that any cease-fire resolution must include a long-term plan to disarm Hezbollah and evict it from southern Lebanon. The Israelis, and the Arab world as well, have taken the United States position as a tacit go-ahead to Israel to continue its campaign.

A high-level administration official involved in the talks, who was given anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the United States and Britain had a plan that would play out over the next several days. He said Ms. Rice, who is expected to arrive in Jerusalem on Saturday, would try to obtain an agreement between Israel and Lebanon in which they state the need for the fighting to end and that lays out terms for ending it, though he did not elaborate on what those terms might be.

But the official said that a political agreement would not be possible unless both sides were convinced that the international force would be strong enough to hold the southern territory, protect Israel and help the Lebanese government wrest control of the area from Hezbollah. The United Nations will begin talks about the makeup of the force on Monday, though the official said it was almost certain that United States troops would not be part of it.

The official said that with those elements in place, the United States, Britain and others could push for a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the conflict in a way that ensured Hezbollah would no longer be in a position to hurl rockets at Israel, which would withdraw its troops from the area. Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair stressed their new round of diplomatic efforts to forge a consensus to end the crisis, a painstaking process that could give Israel more time to hack away at Hezbollah.

“This approach will demonstrate the international community’s determination to support the government of Lebanon and defeat the threat from Hezbollah and its foreign sponsors,” Mr. Bush said. “This approach will make possible what so many around the world want to see: the end of Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel, the return of Israeli soldiers taken hostage by the terrorists, the suspension of Israel’s operations in Lebanon, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.”

Speaking in the East Room of the White House, Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair presented a united front as they pushed a position that was at odds with European and Arab allies who have been calling for an “immediate cease-fire.” Their appearance stood in stark contrast to a meeting in Rome on Wednesday in which Ms. Rice fought, successfully, with other world dignitaries over her insistence that a joint statement declare that the gathered nations would “work immediately” toward a cease-fire.

On the eve of Mr. Blair’s trip here, there was widespread speculation in the news media that the prime minister — who has paid a steep political toll for siding so strongly with Mr. Bush on foreign policy — would distance himself from the president by joining that call. But he stood right by Mr. Bush’s side as he has so many times. They cast the conflict in terms of the broader fight against terrorism — arguing that in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and Iraq, Islamist militants were trying to beat back democracy.

“It’s a global movement, it’s a global ideology,” Mr. Blair said. “We’re not going to defeat this ideology until we in the West go out with sufficient confidence in our own position and say, this is wrong. It’s not just wrong in its methods, it’s wrong in its ideas, it’s wrong in its ideology, it’s wrong in every single wretched reactionary thing about it.”

The United States and Britain are hoping that a United Nations Security Council (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/s/security_council/index.html?inline=nyt-org) resolution will force Iran and Syria to tread carefully before rearming Hezbollah, even though an existing resolution calling for the disarming of Lebanese militias has not been carried out. The Bush administration is also hoping that an international agreement will convince Hezbollah that it cannot continue to function as a military organization.

But the strategy depends on a weak Lebanese government being able to stand up to Hezbollah and on Israel pushing Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon. And it assumes that a settlement can be reached without Syrian assistance, something few diplomats, except those in the Bush administration, think is possible. The administration does not talk to Syria; it withdrew its ambassador last year after the assassination of a former Lebanese prime minister. United Nations investigators have linked Syria to the killing.

United States officials hope that their main Arab allies — Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia — can pressure Syria to distance itself from Iran and endorse the peace plan. Mr. Bush said, “My message to Syria is, become an active participant in the neighborhood for peace.”

Jim Rutenberg reported from Washington for this article, and Helene Cooper from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Greg Myre contributed reporting from Jerusalem.

kila666

07-29-2006, 05:35 PM

"Hezbollah accuses Rice of favoring Israel on trip"

Secretary of state to offer U.S. peace proposal to Israeli, Lebanese officials

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14085947/

LOL. Does this guy have his head-wrapper on too tight? Hezbollah is classified as a Terrorist Organization by the US. Duh.. I guess if you play make-believe that you're a political party long enough, you begin to believe your own rhetoric?

alexz

07-29-2006, 06:11 PM

Israeli daily news site NRG report in it's hebrew version of
heroism in Maroun a Ras fighing. A Paratrooper fighter Vandulo Mangesa
aws injured and his commanding officer Ali Kahan rushed to his rescue.
During fire exchange he had a bullet jam (last of in the magazine), as
he took out a hand grande one was tossed at them by the hizzbollah
fighter in the adjacent room, 1st Lieutenan Kahan picked it up 2 seconds before
it explded and manged to toss it back, killing the 2 hizzbollah fighters.

A pic of the 2 guys from the hebrew article
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/456/290.html

Beaufort

07-29-2006, 06:20 PM

Israeli daily nes site NRG report in it;s hebrewn version of
heroism in Maroun a Ras fighing. A Paratrooper fighter Vandulo Mangesa
aws injured and his commanding officer Ali Kahan rushed to his rescue.
During fire exchange he had a bullet jam (last of in the magazine), as
he took out a hand grande one was tossed at them by the hizzbollah
fighter in the adjacent room, Sargent Kahan picked it up 2 seconds before
it explded and manged to toss it back and killing the 2 hizzbollah fighters.

A pic of the 2 guys drom the hebrew article
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/456/290.html

Amazing stories have also been coming out from Bint Jbeil.

For example...

Golani fighters who survived the battle recount that Major Roee Klein who lost his life in Bint Jbeil, saved the life of his commanders by throwing himself on a hand grenade.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3282372,00.html

wulfstan

07-29-2006, 06:53 PM

Isreali troops cross border according to ITN news on UK TV at 22:56 BST.

Flavius22

07-29-2006, 09:18 PM

While the world remains understandably transfixed on Lebanon and Israel, one fact bears keeping in mind: more people were killed in Iraq in the past two weeks than in Israel and Lebanon combined.

*
At their joint press conference on Friday, both Tony Blair and George W Bush mentioned Iraq but they understandably avoided the connection. One crisis at a time is the strategy — and Blair is now, willy-nilly, the bewildered president’s closest ally and indispensable bridge to the international community. But if the war in Lebanon was begun by an Islamist Shi’ite militia, the war in Iraq is increasingly being waged by a clone of the same. It is in some ways the same war: a resurgent Shi’ite terror machine bent on the destruction of Israel. Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda’s guru, putting aside his enmity towards the Shi’ites for the sake of a joint war on Israel, said as much last week.

“It is an advantage that Iraq is near Palestine,” he declared. “Muslims should support its holy warriors until an Islamic emirate dedicated to jihad is established there, which could then transfer the jihad to the borders of Palestine.” No wonder Blair and Bush want to change the subject.

The numbers tell the story: 2,669 Iraqis lost their lives to violence in May. In June the number jumped to 3,149. Almost all the deaths were deliberate targeting of civilians. The attempt after the death of insurgent Abu Musab al-Zarqawi to assert the Maliki government’s control of Baghdad — a police and military offensive in the capital — has been revealed as a failure within a few weeks. Days before meeting Blair, even Bush conceded in a meeting with Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq’s nominal prime minister, that the security situation in Baghdad was “terrible”.

In many ways the biggest story of the past fortnight may, in other words, have been missed. It was not the moment that Israel used “disproportionate” force; it was the moment when the West’s inadequate force in Iraq was revealed as finally, irredeemably, insufficient to the task.

Don’t rely on me. Ask William Buckley, the father of American conservatism, an intellectual pioneer who almost singlehandedly created the conservative movement that gave us the presidencies of Reagan, Bush and Bush. “I think Mr Bush faces a singular problem best defined, I think, as the absence of effective conservative ideology,” Buckley told CBS last week, “with the result that he ended up being very extravagant in domestic spending . . . and in respect of foreign policy, incapable of bringing together such forces as apparently were necessary to conclude the Iraq challenge.” Buckley has described the Iraq venture as failed, adding to the conservative chorus of dismay at Bush.

The US military, in response to what can only be called anarchy, announced a new deployment of US troops to the capital city. Stephen Hadley, the national security adviser, described this latest manoeuvre as “phase 2” of the previous effort to stabilise Baghdad. The only problem, as other Bush officials conceded to The New York Times off the record, is that there was never a phase 2 in the original plan. “This is more like plan B,” anonymous colleagues explained.

“Six weeks ago we were talking about pulling American troops back from the city streets, not putting more of them out there.”

Does the new strategy offer some hope? We’ll see. And we can pray. But it is hardly encouraging that the new troops in Baghdad are to be taken from increasingly war-torn Anbar province, giving the Sunni insurgents another chance to replenish and regroup. Whatever the president says, in other words, there is no real commitment to winning in Iraq any more. If there were, tens of thousands of extra troops would have been deployed months, if not years, ago.

Today the security situation is so dire that some experts argue that half a million troops would be needed to wrest control of the situation. That won’t happen. If it had been done at the beginning, as so many military commanders argued for, we might be facing a whole new and far more hopeful scenario.

But we’re not. So some are thinking through forms of military withdrawal or redeployment, leaving the Sunni-Shi’ite Iraqi civil war to intensify (just as it flares anew elsewhere in the region). Getting the American public to send its boys to police an internal Muslim civil war, inflamed still further by Hezbollah, is simply unsellable. Peter Galbraith, a former Clinton official and supporter of the war against Saddam Hussein, last week suggested shifting US forces back into Kurdistan, where the intervention remains a success and where US forces could keep a close eye to make sure that Al-Qaeda does not regroup in Sunni Iraq.

In a telling moment, David “axis of evil” Frum, the former Bush speech-writer, seconded the idea as one of the least worst options now available. It’s not far off an idea made a while back by Joe Biden, the Democratic senator.

When you listen to the forces in the field, you can see why it may be the best bet. One military official e-mailed his own assessment last week and it comports with many other military e-mails I’ve read recently from soldiers fighting a war that they were never given the manpower to win.

“This is the dark side of the big shift in the US strategy/presence over the last year,” he wrote. “As we’ve reduced our forces and disengaged from the cities, we have lost the ability to impose our will on the streets of Iraq. At this point I don’t know how effective US forces can/will be in imposing order. We just don’t have the combat power, nor the presence in the city, nor the right mix of constabulary and civil affairs units. It’s frustrating.”

What is Donald Rumsfeld’s response? Here’s what he said last week when asked if Iraq was in a civil war: “Oh, I don’t know. You know I thought about that last night and just musing over the words, the phrase, and what constitutes it. If you think of our civil war, this is really very different. If you think of civil wars in other countries, this is really quite different. There is — there is a good deal of violence in Baghdad and two or three other provinces, and yet in 14 other provinces there’s very little violence or numbers of incidents . . . It clearly is being stimulated by people who would like to have what could be characterised as a civil war and win it, but I’m not going to be the one to decide if, when or at all.”

“Just musing.” Could he get any glibber? His detachment from his own responsibility — and from reality — seems as complete now as it has been from the beginning. He seems unaware, for example, that Bayan Jabr, Iraq’s new finance minister and former interior minister, has been linked to Shi’ite death squads, which torture and murder Sunnis at will and are gradually being integrated into Iraq’s “national” army. The possibility of a Shi’ite Saddam emerging from chaos, allied with Iran, supportive of Hezbollah, does not seem to have entered Rumsfeld’s consciousness.

But it has entered others’. The Saudi Arabian elites are rattled. All the Sunni powers are unnerved. The Hezbollah provocation, sponsored and armed by Iran, is dangerous in itself. Combined with the developments in Iraq, it presages a real and new shift in power. If Tehran gains a Shi’ite mini-state with vast oil reserves in Iraq, if its nuclear programme continues unchecked, if its proxy fighters in Lebanon continue to show the tenacity and barbaric targeting of civilians that they have demonstrated so far, we have the makings of a war in the Middle East with Iran as the central player, vowing to rival Al-Qaeda as the spearhead of the new caliphate.

The Israelis are aware of this because their survival depends on it. Their elimination as a people and a nation is a central tenet of Hezbollah’s and Tehran’s ideology. That is why their response in Lebanon, however awful the collateral civilian deaths and injuries, and however unsettling to the region, is rational from their point of view. It is disproportionate only if you ignore the existential threat that they increasingly face.

In an irony of history, Bush’s bungled, unserious Iraq occupation has given the Shi’ite Islamists an opportunity. In southern Lebanon they have opened a polarising second front. In southern Iraq they are gaining a new and potentially deadly base of operations. From that base, their true intentions will shortly become clearer. And the future darker.

Simon Jenkins is away

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2088-2291265,00.html

alexz

07-29-2006, 09:58 PM

DEBKAfile reports: Israel deploys Arrow anti-missile batteries in central Israel and Patriots at points along key national aretery Highway 6

July 29, 2006, 10:44 PM (GMT+02:00)

Saturday afternoon, Hizballah’s Hassan Nasrallah threatened to send more rockets into central Israeli cities after Afula was hit Friday night. Playing it safe, Israel also adjusted the orbits of its military satellites to allow them to track any Hizballah missiles at the moment they are launched from Lebanon. Military experts believe that the Israeli air force, supported by these hi tech systems, will be able to intercept an Iran-made Zilzal-2 long-range missile, whose 250-km range puts Tel Aviv within reach, before it enters Israeli air space.

DEBKAfile’s military experts add: If one of those missiles is intercepted only after it shoots across Israeli skies, Hizballah will count it a success, because of the potential damage falling debris from the intruding missile and its interceptor can cause on the ground below.

This lesson was learned in the 1991 Gulf War, when Patriot anti-missile interceptions caught up too late with Saddam Hussein’s Scud missile as they homed into Israel towns.

Our sources add that from Saturday, July 29, the tempo of the American munitions airlift to Israel, begun last Wednesday, as DEBKAfile revealed exclusively, has speeded up. During Saturday, giant US Air Force C-114 cargo transports en route for Israel touched down in Scotland for refueling every few hours.

http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=3008

sjsoon

07-29-2006, 10:29 PM

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Sunday/National/20060730075316/Article/local1_html

Umno Youth to identify Israel supporters
30 Jul 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LUMUT: Umno Youth will compile a list of companies in Malaysia which support Israel and distribute them to the public.

"We are identifying companies and business entities which make profits from their operations here but support the Israeli regime financially," deputy Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday. "We want people to know who the Israeli supporters from Malaysia are."

Khairy said this after attending an entrepreneur seminar entitled "Economic direction of Perak Umno Youth" in Teluk Batek here.

Also present was Perak Umno Youth head Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin.

The three-day seminar, which began on Friday, is organised by the Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Ministry with the co-operation of the Perak Umno Youth and the economic bureau of the national Umno Youth. A total of 460 Youth members are attending the seminar.

The members later burned the American and Israeli flags in protest against the United States’ support of Israel and the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Palestine.

Khairy said there was no plan to call for a boycott of goods sold by these companies as past experience showed that such campaigns were not effective.

"Umno Youth would leave it to the people to decide whether they wanted to buy from these companies.

"I received an email yesterday (Friday) that I have yet to confirm, about the owner of a chain of gourmet coffee outlets having given large sums of money to Israel."

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 12:47 AM

Israel raid closes key crossing

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41944000/jpg/_41944668_fireap203story.jpg
Firing across the border has continued by Israel and Hezbollah

An Israeli air strike has closed the main border crossing from Lebanon into Syria, witnesses and officials say.

Missiles hit the road between the two states' immigration posts, but on the Lebanese side, the reports said.
A separate strike wounded two UN monitors in their observation post, the UN said, days after four were killed.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has returned to the region for fresh talks set to focus on bringing in a larger international peace force.
Deployment of the force is expected to be discussed by world leaders at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.
Ms Rice is expected to talk to both Israeli and Lebanese leaders about the proposals during her visit to the region.

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Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Trauma unabated (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm)

She arrived in Jerusalem saying that she was about to enter intensive difficult negotiations that would require hard and emotional decisions for both Lebanon and Israel, says the BBC's Jonathan Beale, who is travelling with the US secretary of state.
But Ms Rice refused to spell out what that would involve, our state department correspondent says.
The US has already stated that it expects Lebanon's government to take steps to rein in Hezbollah.
Less clear, though, is how Israel will fulfil its side of the bargain, our correspondent says.
Israeli officials have indicated to the BBC that Israel may be willing to stop fighting as soon as a UN resolution is passed next week - before the arrival of any new peace force - and that they will not insist on Hezbollah disarming first.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41944000/jpg/_41944670_tyregriefap203.jpg
The UN says 600 Lebanese people have died

They insist, however, that such a force must have the authority to disarm Hezbollah and cut off its weapons supplies.
But even before the latest UN casualties, the UN had warned that the deaths of the four monitors could deter countries from contributing to the proposed peacekeeping force.
UN deputy chief Mark Malloch-Brown also said the organisation still had "serious concerns" about the incident, which happened despite repeated UN pleas for the Israelis to stop firing.

Casualties mount

The UN says some 600 people - about a third of them children - have been killed by Israeli action in Lebanon.
They include a mother and her five children killed in a new wave of Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon, Lebanese medics said. Israel said it was investigating.
On Saturday Israeli forces withdrew from the southern Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil - a Hezbollah stronghold - which they had been trying to take for some days and where they sustained their heaviest one-day losses since the campaign began.

Hezbollah has continued firing hundreds of rockets into Israel - several hit the northern Israel town of Safed on Saturday.
In a new message, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said more central Israeli cities would be targeted if the Israeli offensive continued.
A total of 51 Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed during the conflict.
The Israeli assault began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight in a cross-border raid on 12 July.
Meanwhile, Israeli military sources have indicated that the fighting could intensify.
Earlier, Israel rejected a UN call for a three-day truce in southern Lebanon. The UN said children, the elderly and disabled people were trapped and supplies were short, but Israel said there was no need for a truce as a humanitarian corridor to the area had been opened.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5227900.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 12:49 AM

In pictures: Trauma unabated

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm)

YOUR PICTURE GALLERY IS NOW LOADING...

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41944000/jpg/_41944752_beit*****416.jpg

The human cost of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has continued to mount on both sides of the border.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41944000/jpg/_41944748_coffins416ap.jpg

A mass grave was dug in the Lebanese port city of Tyre as more than 30 victims of the conflict were buried in simple plywood coffins.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41944000/jpg/_41944740_tyremourningap220.jpg

Few mourners were at the burial, but the sense of grief was overwhelming.

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The dead included a one-day old baby. His mother also died.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41944000/jpg/_41944774_displaced416.jpg

Thousands of Lebanese have fled into temporary accommodation - some clearly struggling to adjust to their new surroundings.

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Elsewhere, a fuel tank was hit in what Lebanon says is the biggest environmental disaster the Mediterranean region has known.

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Some Israeli soldiers who have been engaged in the fighting were relieved to return home.

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Among them was a paratrooper who was injured in the fierce clashes on the border area.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41943000/jpg/_41943908_aid220ap.jpg

As some aid arrived by sea, Israel dismissed UN calls for a temporary truce to allow more help to reach the displaced.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41943000/jpg/_41943890_wbankdemo416ap.jpg

But many in the Arab world dismiss the aid offers - they want an immediate ceasefire, including these Palestinians in the West Bank.

Back (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#)
1 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 2 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 3 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 4 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 5 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 6 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 7 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 8 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 9 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) 10 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#) Next (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm#)

Lord Flashheart

07-30-2006, 12:58 AM

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htintel/articles/20060728.aspx

My heavens, what a load of bull**** about the UN operations in Lebanon. To anyone who's actually ben there, there is a completely other side to the slaying of four UN peacekeepers than this totally confused story. Reed and be astonished about the utter ignorance of the unknown story writer. Shame on that person.

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 05:25 AM

Dozens killed in Lebanon air raid

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945024_qana_afp203b.jpg
Survivors screamed for help

More than 40 people, including many children, have been killed in an Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese town of Qana.

Initial reports say families had been sheltering in the basement of a site which was crushed after a direct hit.
Reporters spoke of survivors screaming in grief and anger. Some scrabbled through the debris with bare hands.
Israel said Hezbollah militants bore responsibility for using the village as a rocket-launching site.
The strike comes as the Shia militia fight Israeli forces following a new incursion into southern Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is to meet Israeli and Lebanese leaders after returning to the region for the second time in a week.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said Israel is not in a hurry to agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon until it achieves its goals in the area.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41932000/gif/_41932684_leb_is_gaz_launch_4map203.gif
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Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Strategy debate grows (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5222064.stm)
In pictures: Trauma unabated (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5227268.stm)

The UN says some 600 people - about a third of them children - have been killed by Israeli action in Lebanon since their operations began nearly three weeks ago.
A total of 51 Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed in the conflict, sparked by Hezbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid earlier in July.

'Stop'

Witnesses said the early-morning strike flattened several sites on top of sleeping residents.
One survivor said the "bombing was so intense that no-one could move".

Reliable casualty figures are not yet clear, but reports said more than 40 had been killed, while sources in the Lebanese Red Cross say as many as 50 or 60 lost their lives.
Elderly, women and children were among the dead.
The BBC's Fergal Keane at the scene saw two small boys brought of the rubble.
The number of wounded appears small, he says - which indicates very few survived.
Our correspondent spoke of frantic scenes, as rescuers dug for survivors amid destruction spread over a wide area.
"We want this to stop," a villager shouted.
"May God have mercy on the children. They came here to escape the fighting."
Israel's military said it had warned residents of Qana to leave and Hezbollah bore responsibility for using it to fire rockets at the Jewish state.
Qana was the site of an Israeli bombing of a UN base on April 1996 that killed more than 100 people sheltering there during Israel's "Grapes of Wrath" offensive, which was also aimed at destroying Hezbollah.

Escalation

Sunday's strike came amid an apparent intensification of hostilities.
Israeli gunboats off the coast near Tyre have been firing heavy-calibre shells into the hills, apparently in support of ground forces. Correspondents say the question is whether this flare-up is part of an escalation that will continue despite diplomatic efforts to seek a ceasefire - or a sign that a truce may be coming soon, with the two sides trying to get a final blow in before the fighting stops.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5228224.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 05:56 AM

Middle East crisis: Key maps

[Posted before, but here again as an update - DW58]

Israel continues its bombardment of Lebanon and Hezbollah fires rockets into Israel as the crisis precipitated by Hezbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers intensifies. There are ground clashes on Lebanese territory and shelling of Beirut resumes.

LATEST FLASHPOINTS: 27-28 JULY
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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41939000/jpg/_41939434_artillery203afp.jpg
Israeli artillery unit shelling southern Lebanon

FRIDAY 28 JULY

Israeli mortar rounds hit a civilian refugee convoy near Tyre.
Hezbollah fire a new long-range rocket, called the Khaibar-1, into northern Israel, hitting an area near Afula, the deepest strike into Israel so far. Hezbollah rockets also reportedly hit the Israeli villages of Safed, Karmiel and the town of Tiberius.
A Jordanian man and a Lebanese couple die in air strikes on the village of Kfar Joz, close to Nabatiyeh.
More clashes are reported in Bint Jbeil.
Israeli air strikes hit the area around Meidoun in the southern Bekaa valley and the village of Nabatiyeh.
Israel says it struck 130 targets across Lebanon overnight, including suspected Hezbollah bases in the Bekaa valley in the east of the country and Tyre.

THURSDAY 27 JULY

Israel continues to shell Tyre.
Hezbollah rockets hit a chemicals factory in the Israeli border town of Kiryat Shmona.
Israel carries out strikes on the Iqlim al-Tuffah district north of
Nabatiyeh where Hezbollah are reported to have bases.
A Lebanese army base north of Beirut and roads near the eastern town
of Rayak are also hit.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 05:59 AM

Day-by-day: Lebanon crisis - week three

A day-by-day look at how the conflict involving Israel and Lebanon is unfolding in its third week.

Day-by-day: Week one (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5179434.stm)

Day-by-day: Week two (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5194156.stm)

SUNDAY 30 JULY

Dozens of people are reported to have been killed or injured in an Israeli air strike on a building housing civilians in the southern Lebanese town of Qana.
Hezbollah guerrillas meanwhile battle Israeli ground forces that have made a fresh incursion into southern Lebanon.
Israeli naval vessels fire shells into the hills to support ground forces. Hezbollah's TV station says the group has fired more rockets into Israel.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to meet Israel's defence and foreign ministers in an apparent effort to rally support for the deployment of a large UN-backed peacekeeping force in the region.

SATURDAY 29 JULY

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returns to the region. She is expected to lobby for a UN Security Council resolution that would lead to an international force being deployed in southern Lebanon.
Without specifying, Ms Rice said that she was about to enter intensive difficult negotiations that would require hard and emotional decisions for both Lebanon and Israel.

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Israel could stop fighting before a UN force is deployed

Israeli officials tell the BBC that Israel may be willing to stop fighting as soon as a UN resolution is passed next week - before the arrival of any new peace force - and that they will not insist on Hezbollah disarming first.

In more raids, a Lebanese mother and her five children are killed in a new wave of Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon, Lebanese medics said.
Israeli forces withdraw from the southern Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil - a Hezbollah stronghold - which they had been trying to take for some days and where they sustained their heaviest one-day losses since the campaign began.
An Israeli air strike closes the main border crossing from Lebanon into Syria, witnesses and officials say.
Missiles hit the road between the two states' immigration posts, but apparently on the Lebanese side.
A separate Israeli strike wounds two UN monitors in their observation post, the UN says, days after four were killed.
This follows a warning by the UN that the killing of its observers on Tuesday may deter countries from contributing to a future peacekeeping force.
The UN says children, the elderly and disabled people have been left stranded and supplies are "running out very, very fast" in southern Lebanon and calls for a three-day truce to let aid in.
But an Israeli government spokesman says there is no need for a temporary ceasefire because Israel has opened a humanitarian corridor to and from Lebanon.
In a new television message, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah says more central Israeli cities would be targeted if the Israeli offensive continues.

Israeli army relatives speak (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5224920.stm)

Mercy mission into Beirut (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5226120.stm)

Bush-Blair axis solid (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5225436.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifAnnan calls for action (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

FRIDAY 28 JULY

US President George W Bush says an international force must be quickly despatched to Lebanon, to bolster the Lebanese army and help distribute humanitarian aid.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41941000/jpg/_41941110_kfarjoz_b203_ap.jpg
There were widespread Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

After talks in Washington with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Mr Bush says the US and UK want to achieve a "lasting peace" in the region, but neither leader calls for an immediate ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will return to the region on Saturday, Mr Bush says, ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on the crisis next week.
A US state department spokesman dismisses an Israeli suggestion that it has the world's authorisation to continue bombing Lebanon as "outrageous", insisting the US is doing all it can to bring an end to the conflict.
The UN calls for a 72-hour truce in the conflict zone to allow humanitarian aid in and to get casualties out.
Israel carries out dozens of fresh strikes on Lebanon. Lebanese officials say at least 12 people are killed.
Hezbollah fires a barrage of more than 100 rockets into northern Israel. It says it has made its deepest strike into the country so far with a new long-range rocket called the Khaibar-1. Israeli police confirm an attack by a previously unknown rocket near the town of Afula.
Two mortar rounds strike a convoy of vehicles carrying civilians escaping the violence in southern Lebanon, wounding two people travelling in a German TV car. The Israeli Defence Forces say they do not believe the mortars were theirs.
The UN announces plans to relocate unarmed observers from their post along the Israeli border to positions manned by Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force.

Bush aims for rapid Lebanon force (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5225358.stm)

UN calls for humanitarian truce (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5226076.stm)

US 'outrage' over Israeli claims (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5223940.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifBlair and Bush news conference in full (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

THURSDAY 27 JULY

Israel says the decision in Rome not to call for an immediate ceasefire indicates backing from world powers for the offensive to continue.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937098_un203_afp.jpg
The attack on the UN post caused an international outcry

The Israeli security cabinet decides to call up more military reserves to refresh troops fighting in southern Lebanon but rules out widening the military offensive.
Israel launches further air and artillery attacks on suspected Hezbollah targets, while fighting continues around the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon.
More rockets are fired into northern Israel by Hezbollah militants despite warnings from the Israeli army that any village from which rockets are launched will be totally destroyed.
Al-Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri warns al-Qaeda will respond to attacks on Muslims in Lebanon and Gaza.

Israel says world backs offensive (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5219360.stm)

Al-Qaeda 'to avenge Israel deeds' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5220162.stm)

Israeli press says fight must go on (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5219950.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifAl-Qaeda video (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

WEDNESDAY 26 JULY

EU and Arab states, together with the US and Russia, agree at talks in Rome to work towards a ceasefire with "utmost urgency", but stop short of calling for an immediate truce.
A joint statement backs the idea of an international force with a UN mandate. It says a ceasefire must be "lasting and sustainable", reflecting the US position.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/middle_east_conflict_in_lebanon/img/laun.jpg (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/middle_east_conflict_in_lebanon/html/1.stm)
Images from the Middle East as the conflict enters a third week

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/opennews.gifIn pictures (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/middle_east_conflict_in_lebanon/html/1.stm)

An initial UN report into the deaths of four UN observers says the UN repeatedly urged Israel to stop firing in the area around its post before a rocket landed on the site. Israel describes the event as a "tragic mistake".
Nine Israeli soldiers are killed and 22 injured in fierce fighting around the town of Bint Jbeil, a strategically located Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon. It is the biggest Israeli loss of life since the conflict began. Another dies in the nearby village of Maroun al-Ras.
In Gaza, at least 23 people are killed in Israeli air strikes, medical sources say, and Israeli tanks move back into the north of the Gaza Strip.

Agencies struggle to provide aid (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5216326.stm)

High death toll in Gaza clashes (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5215608.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/videonews.gifThe UN post (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/3681938.stm)

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5218210.stm)

Kampfbaer

07-30-2006, 06:01 AM

http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,429214,00.html

Lebanese prime minister Siniora calls for an immidiate cease fire and won´t talk to anyone (including Condoleeza Rice) before the fighting stops.

He says he won´t negotiate with "israeli war criminals" before an unconditonal cease fire is in place.

Snoshi

07-30-2006, 06:16 AM

Lebanon: Soldier moderately injured in exchanges of fire

IDF soldiers operate in village of Tayyibah, from where dozens of rockets have been fired at Israel. One soldier moderately injured in battle. Fighters kill at least three terrorists, locate weapons cache, including anti-tank missiles, RPG rocket launchers
Hanan Greenberg

Day 19: Israel Defense Forces soldiers on Sunday morning exchanged fire with terrorists near the village of Tayyibah, east of southern Lebanon. One of the fighters was moderately injured.

After forces left the village of Bint Jbeil on Saturday, the IDF launched another ground operation, this time northwest of Metula.

At least three terrorists were killed in the operation in the village. In addition, the IAF hit a group of two Hizbullah members.

Forces of the Nahal division and the 401 armors division entered the area Saturday night and headed to the village of Tayyibah, another Hizbullah stronghold which houses terror infrastructures and terrorists. The area is also being used to fire Katyusha rockets at Israel.

The soldiers found a large cache of weapons, including 10 anti-tank missiles and RPG rocket launchers. Dozens of rockets have been launched
from the Tayyibah area recently.

At the start of the hostilities, the 162nd Division, under the command of Brigadier General Guy Tzur, received the eastern command of the northern border. This is while the Galilee Division, who typically holds the entire line, was responsible for the battles in the western command, in which the battles of Haroun al-Ras and Bint Jbeil took place.

IDF sources estimate that high friction is expected in the western command as well. "One can certainly define the area as a terrorist region," said a military source, "We have drawn our conclusions from battles in other areas, we have learned our lesson and are about to embark on another mission. There is no intention whatsoever to occupy this region or any other, only to arrive, to act, and when we're done, to get out."

On Saturday the IDF completed one of its central missions in the framework of Operation Change of Direction. Most of the forces have withdrawn from Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon after a battle in the village in which 26 terrorists were killed, most of them hit by the ground forces of the paratrooper brigade, and some of them killed by the aircraft of the IAF.

The IDF reports that until now upwards of 200 Hizbullah members have killed, 40 of which were senior officers of different ranks, including those responsible for the area and their deputies. The IDF is making arrangements for operational plans in preparation for the planned reserve call-up, among them larger operations. However, every operation of this sort requires authorization from the political apparatus.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283335,00.html

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 07:06 AM

In pictures: Israeli strike on Qana

YOUR PICTURE GALLERY IS NOW LOADING...

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945092_stretcher_afp410.jpg

Dozens of people were killed, many of them children, when Israeli warplanes bombed the Lebanese village of Qana

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945064_rescue_afp416.jpg

Rescue workers in Qana had the grim task of removing the bodies of dead children from bombed buildings

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945078_mourning_afp410.jpg

A grief-stricken Lebanese woman mourns at the doorstep of her house in Qana after the Israeli airforce action

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945084_redcross_ap410.jpg

Red Cross paramedics carry the body of Lebanese man from one of the building demolished by the planes

Back (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm#)
1 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm#) 2 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm#) 3 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm#) 4 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm#) Next (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm#)

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 07:08 AM

In quotes: Lebanon reaction

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945106_siniora_ap203.jpg
Mr Siniora called for an immediate ceasefire

An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Qana, killing more than 40 people including many children, has been denounced by the Lebanese Prime Minister as a "war crime".
Below is a selection of quotes from the latest incidents.

LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER FOUAD SINIORA

"We scream out to our fellow Lebanese and to other Arab brothers and to the whole world to stand united in the face of the Israeli war criminals.
"The persistence of Israel in its heinous crimes against our civilians will not break the will of the Lebanese people. There is no place on this sad morning for any discussion other than an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as well as the international investigation into the Israeli massacres in Lebanon now."

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER EHUD OLMERT

"I think it needs to be clear that Israel is in no rush to reach a ceasefire before we get to a point where we could say that we have achieved the main objectives we had set forth.
"This requires a ripening of the diplomatic process and a specific agreement regarding the formation of the force that will operate from the areas from which Israel was threatened in this period."

FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC

"France condemns this unjustified action which demonstrates more than ever the need for an immediate ceasefire without which there will only be other such incidents."

BBC SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT FERGAL KEANE, QANA

"I'm looking at a child being brought out of the rubble, in fact two children I can now see, being carried towards me by civil defence workers.
"I guess they may be eight or nine years old, but they're dead, they're dead and they're being taken to ambulances which are further up the road.
"As they move away I'm just coming back around to the building itself, which was a large apartment building which has just collapsed and we were told there was a large number of people inside there, mostly women and children."

BBC CORRESPONDENT JIM MUIR, QANA

"It was a three-storey building, it's pretty much completely collapsed.
"There are fears that there are still people trapped inside either dead or alive.
"As I got here they were carrying out the body of a young boy. It wasn't quite clear whether he was dead or alive, he was lying limp on the stretcher with bad damage to his face.
"Now they're bringing in some digging equipment and they're going to try and pull the ruins aside so that they can get to anybody who is injured still in there. "But of course everybody is very nervous here because Israeli jets are circling all the time and there are always fears that they may strike again."

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5228422.stm)

Irish

07-30-2006, 07:18 AM

35 Lebanese civilians killed in Israeli attack (http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0730/lebanon.html)
(10:04) An Israeli air strike has killed at least 35 Lebanese civilians, including 21 children, in the southern village of Qana.

NimDod

07-30-2006, 07:20 AM

Sagger anti tank missle.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7057/96716243zj4.jpg

anti tank missle. (?)
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3382/96716244co5.jpg

TOW anti tank missile
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6410/96716248wh9.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/93/96716251sy3.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9726/96716254gm1.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4616/96716250uz3.jpg

guns
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4676/96716245bc0.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3515/96716246up9.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2126/96716247pj6.jpg

destroyed guns
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/5783/96716263hq5.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/96/96716261dg2.jpg

ammo
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5971/96716256xa4.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4201/96716257up0.jpg

phones
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3694/96716249ph6.jpg

large IED
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7634/96716259tx2.jpg

combat vest
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1373/96716253uu7.jpg

room(?)
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9789/96716255ou3.jpg

and now its all gone...
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3207/96716252ri4.jpg

the pictures were taken from here:
http://www.hnn.co.il/index.php?module=albums;task=view;id=967

there are some other pictures in there and a video of a rocket launcher truck being destroyed from the air.

**EDIT:
never mind

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 07:45 AM

Analysis: A second Qana Massacre?

By Martin Asser
BBC News, Beirut
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif

The southern Lebanese town of Qana is known for two events in history, and there could soon be a third as news comes in of rising civilian casualties from an Israeli air strike there.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945210_mourn_afp_203_b.jpg
More than 40 people have been killed in air strikes on Qana

In realms of biblical narrative, some believe it to be the scene of Jesus Christ's first miracle, turning water into wine during the wedding at Cana of Galilee.
In modern times, it was the scene of one of the bloodiest events of the modern Arab-Israeli conflict, the Israeli shelling of a UN base sheltering Lebanese civilians 10 years ago.
International shock at those deaths - more than 100, and another 100 injured - led to huge pressure for a ceasefire deal bringing an end to Israel's last sustained military operation against Hezbollah militants, codenamed Operation Grapes of Wrath.
The Qana Massacre, as it is known in Lebanon, remains a powerful symbol for Lebanese people of what they say is Israel's indiscriminate and disproportionate response to Hezbollah's rocket attacks.

'No accident'

Israel still insists the 1996 shelling was an accident and that its forces had a legitimate militant target - a Hezbollah military unit that had fired mortars and rockets from near the Qana base.
Then, as now, Israel accused Hezbollah of using the civilian population as human shields when they launched their attacks.
However, a UN investigation reported in May 1996 that the deaths at the Qana base were unlikely to have been the result of an accident as claimed by the Israelis.
The UN report cited the repeated use of airburst shells over the small UN compound, which sent down a deadly torrent of shrapnel that caused terrible injuries among the unprotected civilians.
The UN also noted the presence of Israeli helicopters and a drone in the skies over Qana which must have witnessed the bloodbath.

Strategic location

In the current round of Israel's bombardment, Qana has again been in the news - the scene of several incidents, such as the bombing by Israel of two Lebanese Red Cross ambulances and the death of a young Lebanese photojournalist, Layal Nejib, also in an air strike on her car.
Looking at the map, it is not hard to see why Qana is never far from the headlines when Israel bombards southern Lebanon.
It lies at the northern edge of the Lebanon's southern uplands which border Israel and also at the confluence of five strategic roads in the hinterland south-east of the southern city of Tyre.
Qana and the villages surrounding it are a strong pro-Hezbollah area and Israel says it has repeatedly been used to fire rockets over the border about 10km (six miles) to the south.
Israeli officials say leaflets had been dropped in the area warning civilians to leave their homes so it could conduct more anti-Hezbollah operations. However, it seems clear that, with the number of civilian cars and convoys which have been bombed on the roads heading to Tyre, many residents chose to ignore the Israeli warnings.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5228554.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 08:39 AM

A reminder

Opened by special request.

Post your breaking news here, do not open any further threads.

Anything remotely flaming/trolling will be removed and the offenders banned.

Abuse this thread and it will be closed.

Only news here please

Please also take note of this sticky (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=86119)

Your co-operation is appreciated.

N.B. - there is sound reasoning behind this. There is a huge amount of information coming from all sides, both pro and anti Israeli, it is best to have it all in one place for all to read. Too many thread leads to confusion. There are a number of discussion threads on the curent crisis open both in General Discussion and in Political Discussion & Rants. Please use these and do not post commenty here, non news posts will be removed from this thread - don't even think of flaming - you have been warned!

Snoshi

07-30-2006, 09:43 AM

DF prepared for attack by Syria
By YAAKOV KATZ
[Print this Article] [EMail this Article] [Subscribe] [SMS Alerts] [JPost Toolbar] [JPost ePaper]

While Israel is not interested in opening a front against Syria, if President Bashar Assad decides to attack Israel, the IDF will respond harshly and with its full might, a high-raking IDF officer in the Northern Command told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

"We are continuing with our message that we are not interested in fighting with Syria," the officer said, "But we are fully prepared for a Syrian attack, in the case of which we will strike back extremely hard."

The IDF officer said he believed Syria has been receiving the clear message Israel has been sending its way that Israel does not want to fight Syria. Whatever happened on border was completely depended on Assad, the officer said. "It is up to him, and at the moment we don't know what he plans to do."

He said that Saturday's IAF attack on a road that led from Syria into Lebanon near the border was meant to thwart attempts to smuggle weapons from Syria into Lebanon.

The IDF is also anticipating a possible Syrian attack on Israel in response to the ongoing IDF operations in Lebanon. It is also known that Syria has increased its forces along the border out of fear in Damascus that Israel might attack Syria.

Defense officials told the Post last week that they were receiving indications from the United States that the US would be interested in seeing Israel attack Syria.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292032964&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Beaufort

07-30-2006, 09:45 AM

Olmert: Hezbollah used Qana as base to launch hundreds of rocketshttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gif

By Haaretz Servicehttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gif

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, responding to harsh criticism of an Israeli air strike that cost scores of lives in the south Lebanese village of Qana, said Sunday that Hezbollah had used Qana as a base for launching hundreds of rockets at Israel.

"From the village and its surroundings, hundreds of Katyusha (rockets) have been fired at Israel, toward Kiryat Shmona and Afula," Olmert said during a cabinet meeting, according to a participant in the meeting.

In Israeli media accounts, Olmert was further quoted as saying that "All the residents (of Qana) were warned and told to leave. No one was ordered to fire on civilians and we have no policy of killing innocent people."

Qana was the scene of an April, 1996, in which Israeli shelling of a base of United Nations peacekeepers in Qana killed more than 100 civilians sheltering there during Operation Grapes of Wrath.

The international outcry over the 1996 Qana village shelling effectively ended the operation. It was also said to be a factor in the subsequent election defeat of then-prime minister Shimon Peres, whose support among Israeli Arabs was sapped by the Qana deaths.

The Lebanese Red Cross officials in Beirut said Sunday that over 50 people were killed in the air strike. A total of 23 of the dead were children, they said.

At least 17 more bodies were feared to be still under the rubble, seven of them children.

Defense Minister Amir Peretz has ordered an investigation of the incident.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Sunday "This horrific massacre will not go without a response."

Some 40 targets were hit in IAF strikes overnight across Lebanon. Among the targets were buildings used by Hezbollah, rocket launchers and bridges.

IDF renews ground offensive
The IDF renewed its ground offensive in south Lebanon on Sunday morning. A Nahal division, backed by armored troops, began operating in southern Lebanon, heading toward the village of Taibeh.

Also Sunday, IDF troops clashed with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, north of Dovev. Hezbollah fighters sustained injuries in the clashes.

An IAF strike Saturday closed Lebanon's main crossing point to Syria for the first time since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, security sources said.

Three air strikes hit the road between Lebanese and Syrian immigration offices in the Masnaa area of the eastern Bekaa Valley, approximately 1 km inland on the Lebanese side of the border, they said. There were no casualties.

Traffic on the border had been interrupted by IAF attacks nearby, but it was the first time it had been declared closed in the 18-day Israeli offensive in Lebanon.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had struck the road to cut arms supply routes from Syria to Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

"The military attacked the road from Lebanon to Syria to prevent the smuggling of weapons," an IDF spokeswoman said.

An IDF officer said early Sunday that despite continued arms smuggling from Syria to Lebanon, Israel has no plans of attacking Syria, Israel Radio reported.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/744332.html

NimDod

07-30-2006, 10:41 AM

Olmert: Deep regret over civilians' death

(VIDEO) Following grave incident in Lebanese village of Qana, in which more than 50 people were killed, prime minister expresses his regret but makes it clear fighting will not stop. 'Hizbullah, like entire Muslim terror, threatens entire western civilization. When we decided to respond we knew we would be forced to face difficult situations,' he says

http://www.ynetnews.com/PicServer2/20122005/838791/IMG_0776_a.jpg http://www.ynetnews.com/PicServer2/20122005/850291/NN104_a.jpg
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283578,00.html

Kaplanr

07-30-2006, 11:27 AM

From Ynet. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3281582,00.html

Between perception and reality

Many people think Israel's technology can accurately strike any enemy quickly and carefully without hurting civilians or our forces
Giora Eiland

There is a gap between public expectations and reality on the ground in the fighting that has now continued for 14 days. There is nothing new about this gap: It happens any time a state army fights a terror or guerilla force. It happened to the United States in Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. It happened to us in Lebanon and with the Palestinians. It happened to Russia in the 1980s in Afghanistan, and is happening again to them today in Chechnya.

There are four standing expectations that can be found in just about all clashes.

First: There is an expectation that the clash will end quickly. Why? "Because we are much stronger than the enemy." I remember one officer during the Lebanon War who told us the war would last two days. Afterwards, it went up to three days, then to six days. On the sixth day there was a "cease fire," but it wasn't exactly the end of the operation. Rather, it was the beginning of a move that lasted 18 years.

Second: There is an expectation that we will strike them but that they won't hit us. Why? Because we are a big, strong army, and they are no more than a "gang" or a bunch of thugs. There is an expectation for everything to look good, just like an old fashioned western: Bad guys get hurt, whilst the good guys are immune to enemy bullets.

Here, too, there is a hidden expectation that we, with our technology and exact weaponry, can inflict precise damage on the enemy without any damage to our forces.

Third: There is an expectation of no civilian casualties to the enemy. This is a natural expectation, for we want not only to be the stronger side, but the just side as well. That feeling of justice can crumble when it turns out that entire families are killed and children are left with amputated limbs.

Fourth: There is an expectation that the military clash will end with a convincing victory, a victory so crushing that the few remnants of the enemy will come out of their hiding places waving white flags and will agree to surrender unconditionally.

All four expectations are natural. They are based on rational conclusions from the public's "assessment" of the situation. The problem is that that assessment relies on concepts, facts and historical experience of wars that have nothing in common with the current one. They are based on all-out conventional wars between countries and armies, not on low-level clashes between countries and organizations.

Realistic expectations

The point here is that with regard to all four points cited above, realistic expectations are far lower than those hoped for, or than those that would be attained if we were measuring on a scale of criteria of "conventional war."

With regard to Iraq, America, too, erred, and continues to err in its assessment. At least to the outside world, they are using ideas that are largely irrelevant and rest on factors that are more or less unimportant. Wars whose outcome rests more-or-less on the number of tank divisions each side has. Unfortunately, statistics such as these are unimportant to armed clashes in the 21st century.

The results of the campaign to this point are more-or-less in line with the IDF's assessment. There have been no surprises vis-à-vis any of the four above-mentioned points.

If the army gave the politicians this assessment when the operation began, it was correct. As stated above, the gap between expectations and abilities in this kind of clash is natural. The army must not bridge this gap by changing tactics in order to meet the expectations of this or another party.

Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland is a former Israeli National Security Advisor.

Secret Squirrel

07-30-2006, 12:07 PM

Israel releases Canadian man accused of spying

A former University of Toronto professor detained in Israel on suspicion of spying for Hezbollah has been released without charges.

Ghazi Falah, an Israeli-Canadian, was arrested July 8 after taking photographs near the northern Israeli-Lebanese border just days before the current battle between Israel and Hezbollah erupted.

Falah, a geography professor, claims he was just conducting research. Security forces said they held him because he videotaped a sensitive Israeli military installation.

In an exclusive interview with CTV's Ellen Pinchuk, Falah said he was mistreated by authorities while being detained, claiming the abuse bordered on ****** harassment.

He alleged that he was denied sleep, and at one point during his 22 days in custody, was interrogated for 60 hours straight.

Falah, 53, said he is considering filing a lawsuit.

He lived in Toronto between 1992 and 2001, and has taught geography at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. Falah currently teaches at the University of Akron in Ohio.

His lawyer in Israel, Husein abu-Husein, said Falah is a highly regarded academic and geography specialist.

Husein said his client was simply conducting research, just as he had in the south of Lebanon when he visited there last June.

Falah, meanwhile, said he hopes to be back in Canada in the next few days, and then will travel to Akron to rejoin his family and friends.

link (http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/TopStories/ContentPosting.aspx?newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20060730%2fcanadian_released_060730&feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V2&showbyline=True)
..........................

Roy Batty

07-30-2006, 12:53 PM

UN observer's sister appeals for help in search

Updated Sat. Jul. 29 2006 11:37 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

The sister of missing Canadian UN observer Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener has made an emotional appeal to the Israeli prime minister, asking him to ensure the safety of search and rescue teams unable to look for her brother.

"I am appealing to the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to allow the UN to go in there to find my brother, to open a corridor and to stop the bombing in the surrounding areas," Tonya Hess told CTV Newsnet in an exclusive interview.

She added that "there has been an expression of deep regret on the part of Israel. My family accepts those condolences in good faith, but sometimes, you have to translate words into actions."

Hess-von Kruedener is missing and presumed dead after an Israeli bomb directly struck his UN observer base in the town of Khiyam, near the eastern end of the border with Israel. Three other UN observers also died in the blast.

Israel has said the bombing was an accident, despite UN observers repeatedly warning the Israeli military about their location.

Hess-von Kruedener's family is hopeful he survived the attack.

"I kind of equate it to an earthquake in India," said Hess. "They pull people out after seven days. I think it's possible, and not only that, I believe that it is going to happen. I have full faith that he's going to be returned."

But persistent fighting in the area between Israeli forces and Hezbollah guerrillas has made it impossible to carry out a search and rescue operation.

"As far as my family knows at the moment, we've heard from a military liaison that there are crews in northern Israel -- UN search and rescue crews -- that are waiting to be dispatched to continue the search for my brother, to continue searching through the rubble to find him," said Hess.

"Unfortunately, they're not able to send the people because they would need there to be a safe passage and corridor to go and continue their work."

Hess-von Kruedener had completed nine months of his one-year tour of duty with the UN in Lebanon. He was an infantry officer with 20 years service, and had done four earlier operational tours (in Cyprus, twice in Bosnia, and Congo).

His sister said she is immensely proud of her brother's career.

"These men and women who are peacekeepers, they go around the world, they leave their families for months on end, and they go in the belief that they can do something better -- do something to create a better situation in the world," said Hess.

"I'm so proud of my brother, of who he is, as well as all the men and women who dedicate themselves to this career all over Canada."

Hess-von Kruedener's wife, Cynthia, spoke to reporters Thursday and accused the Israeli military of deliberately attacking her husband's observer post.

"So why were (the Israelis) firing on that base? ... In my opinion, those were precision-guided missiles, so the attack was intentional."

She also said that Israel had attacked the area several times before, "for weeks upon weeks," according to her husband.

On Saturday, two peacekeepers were wounded when an Israeli strike hit their UN station. UN observers had just been relocated to peacekeepers' posts for their safety, following last Tuesday's tragedy

www.ctv.ca

Clarsachier

07-30-2006, 12:54 PM

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/

(*******)
Updated: 2006-07-30 18:07

JERUSALEM, July 30 - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking after the Israeli bombing of the Lebanese village of Qana, said it was time for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas.

She said she was saddened by the bombing and confirmed that she had cancelled a planned trip to Beirut, but would stay in Israel to try to work out a deal for ending the 19-day-old conflict.

Roy Batty

07-30-2006, 12:54 PM

Israel releases Canadian man accused of spying

Updated Sun. Jul. 30 2006 9:54 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

A former University of Toronto professor detained in Israel on suspicion of spying for Hezbollah has been released without charges.

Ghazi Falah, an Israeli-Canadian, was arrested July 8 after taking photographs near the northern Israeli-Lebanese border just days before the current battle between Israel and Hezbollah erupted.

Falah, a geography professor, claims he was just conducting research. Security forces said they held him because he videotaped a sensitive Israeli military installation.

In an exclusive interview with CTV's Ellen Pinchuk, Falah said he was mistreated by authorities while being detained, claiming the abuse bordered on ****** harassment.

He alleged that he was denied sleep, and at one point during his 22 days in custody, was interrogated for 60 hours straight.

Falah, 53, said he is considering filing a lawsuit.

He lived in Toronto between 1992 and 2001, and has taught geography at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. Falah currently teaches at the University of Akron in Ohio.

His lawyer in Israel, Husein abu-Husein, said Falah is a highly regarded academic and geography specialist.

Husein said his client was simply conducting research, just as he had in the south of Lebanon when he visited there last June.

Falah, meanwhile, said he hopes to be back in Canada in the next few days, and then will travel to Akron to rejoin his family and friends.

With a report from CTV's Ellen Pinchuk

www.ctv.ca

Roy Batty

07-30-2006, 12:58 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

Canadians took to the streets in several major cities Saturday, demanding an end to the Mideast conflict. Many slammed the prime minister's support for Israel.

"We want a ceasefire, we don't want the war," shouted Lebanese-Canadian Khalil Assad. "They are killing our civilians."

In Toronto, where 800 people gathered, one person shouted pro-militant slogans, including "Long live Hezbollah."

But most wanted peace, and opposed Prime Minister Stephen Harper's stance on the conflict -- possibly reflecting a recent poll that showed a slip in Conservative support.

The Canadian Press reported last week that Quebecers "overwhelmingly" disapprove of Harper's unequivocal support for Israel's offensive in Lebanon.

Abigail Bakan, of the Jewish Women's Committee to End the Occupation, said his popularity will continue to diminish unless he abandons his position.

"We need to make it clear to him that his minority is going to get smaller and smaller as he continues to support Israel's illegal action against the Lebanese and Palestinian people," Bakan told protesters.

Fares Bader, of the Canadian Arab Federation, claimed that Harper's position on the Israeli offensive "has no connection to Canadian culture."

At a Halifax protest, Dirk van Loon said Harper was mistaken when he initially called Israeli's offensive a "measured response."

"We're here to show . . . the government that we are going the wrong way," van Loon told The Canadian Press.

"We're not longer able to be the honest brokers, and I think that's a terrible shame. We should be putting our resources into stopping the fighting."

Ed Morgan, of the Canadian Jewish Congress, said the Israeli military has no choice but to fight Hezbollah.

The conflict began on July 12, when Hezbollah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid.

"For six years now there has been a Security Council resolution calling for the disarming of Hezbollah, but nobody ever saw to it that it got enforced," Morgan told CTV Toronto.

Some protesters at Toronto's rally refused to support either side, and just called for an immediate end to the fighting.

"A human life, not matter what side, is valuable," said Lindsay Loy. "I think they're just neglecting a ceasefire -- there doesn't have to be this much bloodshed."

www.ctv.ca

Beaufort

07-30-2006, 02:15 PM

IDF: 150 rockets fired from Qana at Israeli cities

By YAAKOV KATZ, JPOST STAFF, AND AP (editors@jpost.com)

Some 150 rockets were fired from the Lebanese village of Qana over the past 20 days, Air Force Chief of Staff Brig.-Gen. Amir Eshel said on Sunday evening.

Speaking to reporters, Eshel added that Hizbullah rocket launchers were hidden in civilian buildings in the village. He proceeded to show video footage of rocket launchers being driven into the village following launches.

Elsewhere on Sunday evening, four IDF soldiers were lightly wounded in fighting in the south Lebanese village of Taibe. The soldiers were wounded when their tank was hit by an anti-tank rocket.
Earlier Sunday, a senior Israeli government official reported that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that he needed 10 days to two weeks to finish the offensive in Lebanon.

Olmert met with Rice on Saturday night to discuss the 19-day-old offensive in southern Lebanon. Their meeting came before the IAF strike in Qana early Sunday.

Following the strike, Olmert and Rice scheduled a new meeting on Sunday evening.

Earlier, Olmert expressed deep regret for the harm inflicted on the civilians in Qana Sunday morning when at least 57 civilians - 37 of whom were children - were killed as the IAF fired missiles at a building in the southern Lebanese town.

"I express deep regret, along with all of Israel and the IDF, for the civilian deaths in Qana," said Olmert. "Nothing could be further from our intentions and our interests than harming civilians - everyone understands that. When we do harm civilians, the whole world recognizes that it is an exceptional case that does not characterize us."

"In contrast," Olmert said, "Hizbullah has launched rockets with the aim of murdering innocent civilians in northern Israel."
The prime minister vowed that the fight against Hizbullah would continue despite the Qana tragedy.

"Hizbullah, like other Islamic terror movements, threatens all civilization. When we decided to respond, we knew that we would need to be strong in the face of difficult situations," said Olmert.

Olmert said that the area was a focal point for the firing of Katyusha rockets on Kiryat Shmona and Afula. He said that from the outset of the conflict, "hundreds of rockets have been fired from the Qana area."

Defense Minister Amir Peretz was also profoundly repentant for the fatal strike, saying, "this is a tragic incident that is a result of war. Hizbullah operates in the heart of populated centers with the full knowledge of endangering the lives of innocent civilians."
The defense minister ordered the IDF to conduct a full investigation into the incident.

IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz also expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent life. "We were operating in a place from where Katyushas are being fired and we distributed notices to residents. Unfortunately, people who assembled in the area, whom we were unaware of, were harmed," said Halutz.

Nevertheless, the chief of staff said that the IDF would continue to fight in order to defend northern residents and to bring calm to the region, adding, "the terrorist organizations are taking cover among populated areas. We will continue to operate, causing the minimum harm to civilians."

Some 35 bodies have been recovered from a building that collapsed, but more were still stuck under the rubble, Lebanon's official news agency reported.

Ten years ago, Israel was forced to suspend Operation Grapes of Wrath against Hizbullah after artillery shells accidentally killed over 100 Lebanese refugees in the same village.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and insisted on an investigation into the Qana attack.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she called Saniora to say she would postpone a visit to Beirut on Sunday, and that she had work to do in Jerusalem to end the fighting.

"We are also pushing for an urgent end to the current hostilities, but the views of the parties on how to achieve this are different," she said.
A high-ranking IAF officer said that the IDF had warned the residents of Qana to evacuate the village in anticipation of the airstrikes on Katyusha launchers.

In a statement released on Sunday, the IDF said that as a result of Katyusha rocket attacks, 18 Israelis had been killed and hundreds of others wounded.
"The responsibility for the harm to Lebanese civilians falls on Hizbullah, which uses civilians has human shields," the statement read.

The officer said that the air force had been targeting the village for the past three days and on Saturday night struck ten different targets inside the village. He said the building hit Sunday was picked since intelligence indicated that Hizbullah guerillas were hiding inside, together with Katyusha rockets and launchers.

"We have been attacking in Qana for three days," the IAF officer said. "They have fired dozens of rockets from there over the past week at Kiryat Shmona, Afula and Ma'alot."

The officer added that the guerillas fire rockets and then flee into nearby buildings.

"We warned the residents that we would be attacking there," he said. "We work under the assumption that the villages are empty and that whoever is there is affiliated with Hizbullah."

The officer estimated that Qana was being used by Hizbullah to fire rockets at Israel due to the symbolism in the village. In 1996, Israel was forced to suspend Operation Grapes of Wrath against the Hizbullah after artillery shells killed over 100 Lebanese refugees seeking refuge in a UN building in the village.

Since Saturday morning, the IAF said it had struck over 60 Hizbullah targets throughout Lebanon including more than 10 rocket launchers, dozens of buildings and weapons warehouses, and several Hizbullah bases.

Missiles fired by IAF jets on Friday destroyed three buildings in the village of Kfar Jouz near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon. Three people were killed and nine were wounded, including four children, Lebanese security officials said. The raid apparently targeted an apartment belonging to a Hizbullah operative.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?apage=1&cid=1153292030858&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

phasio

07-30-2006, 03:42 PM

dunno where to post this. a newspaper here in sweden

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,864464,00.html

have a story about suicide bombers attacking israeli warships. original from CNN

first 2 shows a boat full of explosives near a israeli ship

http://img.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/0607/30/war440art.jpg

second 2 shows a jetski coming close
http://img.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/0607/30/war2101.jpg
but are shot at and explodes
http://img.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/0607/30/war2102.jpg

NimDod

07-30-2006, 03:58 PM

second 2 shows a jetski coming close

this video can be downloaded from here:
http://www.idf.il/media/navy/ofnoa.mpg

IDF: Qana building fell hours after strike

IDF continuing to check difficult incident at Qana village, and attempting to account for strange gap between time of the strike on the building – midnight – and eight in the morning, when the building collapsed
Hanan Greenberg

An IDF investigation has found that the building in Qana struck by the Air Force fell around eight hours after being hit by the IDF.

"The attack on the structure in the Qana village took place between midnight and one in the morning. The gap between the timing of the collapse of the building and the time of the strike on it is unclear," Brigadier General Amir Eshel, Head of the Air Force Headquarters told journalists at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, following the incidents at Qana.

Eshel and the head of the IDF's Operational Branch, Major General Gadi Eisnkot said the structure was not being attacked when it collapsed, at around 8:00 in the morning.

The IDF believes that Hizbullah explosives in the building were behind the explosion that caused the collapse.

Another possibility is that the rickety building remained standing for a few hours, but eventually collapsed. "It could be that inside the building, things that could eventually cause an explosion were being housed, things that we could not blow up in the attack, and maybe remained there, Brigadier General Eshel said.

"I'm saying this very carefully, because at this time I don't have a clue as to what the explanation could be for this gap," he added.

Meanwhile in Lebanon it is being reported that the number of those killed in the collapse of the structure climbed to 60.

All targets struck accurately

Eshel said that an additional attack took place at 7:30 in the morning, but added that other buildings were targeted. "This was an attack on three buildings 460 meters away from the structure we are talking about. Four bombs were dropped and all of them are documented by the planes' cameras. They all struck their targets. In addition, we carried out a filming sortie that photographed the village during the afternoon showing that the three targeted buildings we struck. We have verification of strikes on the building and that the bombs reached their targets," Eshel said.

"An attack that took place at two in the morning struck two targets, both of them 400 meters away from the building (that collapsed). They were also destroyed. The attack between 12 and 1 a.m. struck the area of the affected house, and there were accurate strikes on the target. We are asking the question – what happened between 1 in the morning and 8 in the morning… we understand this building was attacked between 12 and 1 in the morning, seven hours before it was seriously damaged," he said.
Brigadier General Eshel explained that "since the start of fighting in Lebanon 150 rockets from a very high number of rocket launchers have been fired from the village and its surrounding areas, at a number of sites in the State of Israel. Within the village itself we have located a diverse range of activities connected to firing of rockets, beginning from forces commanding this operation – because such an operation needs ongoing command to direct it – and logistical sites that serve this end."

"From this village rockets are fired almost every day across Israel. The operation carried out overnight is an extension of operations that didn't start last night but before, and during this night we struck a number of targets in the village. All of the targets are being meticulously sifted," Eshel added.

(07.30.06, 20:44)

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283816,00.html

Snoshi

07-30-2006, 04:01 PM

IDF: Qana building fell hours after strike

IDF continuing to check difficult incident at Qana village, and attempting to account for strange gap between time of the strike on the building – midnight – and eight in the morning, when the building collapsed
Hanan Greenberg

An IDF investigation has found that the building in Qana struck by the Air Force fell around eight hours after being hit by the IDF.

"The attack on the structure in the Qana village took place between midnight and one in the morning. The gap between the timing of the collapse of the building and the time of the strike on it is unclear," Brigadier General Amir Eshel, Head of the Air Force Headquarters told journalists at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, following the incidents at Qana.

Eshel and the head of the IDF's Operational Branch, Major General Gadi Eisnkot said the structure was not being attacked when it collapsed, at around 8:00 in the morning.

The IDF believes that Hizbullah explosives in the building were behind the explosion that caused the collapse.

Another possibility is that the rickety building remained standing for a few hours, but eventually collapsed. "It could be that inside the building, things that could eventually cause an explosion were being housed, things that we could not blow up in the attack, and maybe remained there, Brigadier General Eshel said.

"I'm saying this very carefully, because at this time I don't have a clue as to what the explanation could be for this gap," he added.

Meanwhile in Lebanon it is being reported that the number of those killed in the collapse of the structure climbed to 60.

All targets struck accurately

Eshel said that an additional attack took place at 7:30 in the morning, but added that other buildings were targeted. "This was an attack on three buildings 460 meters away from the structure we are talking about. Four bombs were dropped and all of them are documented by the planes' cameras. They all struck their targets. In addition, we carried out a filming sortie that photographed the village during the afternoon showing that the three targeted buildings we struck. We have verification of strikes on the building and that the bombs reached their targets," Eshel said.

"An attack that took place at two in the morning struck two targets, both of them 400 meters away from the building (that collapsed). They were also destroyed. The attack between 12 and 1 a.m. struck the area of the affected house, and there were accurate strikes on the target. We are asking the question – what happened between 1 in the morning and 8 in the morning… we understand this building was attacked between 12 and 1 in the morning, seven hours before it was seriously damaged," he said.

Brigadier General Eshel explained that "since the start of fighting in Lebanon 150 rockets from a very high number of rocket launchers have been fired from the village and its surrounding areas, at a number of sites in the State of Israel. Within the village itself we have located a diverse range of activities connected to firing of rockets, beginning from forces commanding this operation – because such an operation needs ongoing command to direct it – and logistical sites that serve this end."

"From this village rockets are fired almost every day across Israel. The operation carried out overnight is an extension of operations that didn't start last night but before, and during this night we struck a number of targets in the village. All of the targets are being meticulously sifted," Eshel added.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283816,00.html

Beaufort

07-30-2006, 04:04 PM

IDF: Qana building fell hours after strike

IDF continuing to check difficult incident at Qana village, and attempting to account for strange gap between time of the strike on the building – midnight – and eight in the morning, when the building collapsed

Hanan Greenberg

"The attack on the structure in the Qana village took place between midnight and one in the morning. The gap between the timing of the collapse of the building and the time of the strike on it is unclear," Brigadier General Amir Eshel, Head of the Air Force Headquarters told journalists at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, following the incidents at Qana.

Eshel and the head of the IDF's Operational Branch, Major General Gadi Eisnkot said the structure was not being attacked when it collapsed, at around 8:00 in the morning.

The IDF believes that Hizbullah explosives in the building were behind the explosion that caused the collapse.

Another possibility is that the rickety building remained standing for a few hours, but eventually collapsed. "It could be that inside the building, things that could eventually cause an explosion were being housed, things that we could not blow up in the attack, and maybe remained there, Brigadier General Eshel said.

"I'm saying this very carefully, because at this time I don't have a clue as to what the explanation could be for this gap," he added.

Meanwhile in Lebanon it is being reported that the number of those killed in the collapse of the structure climbed to 60.

All targets struck accurately

Eshel said that an additional attack took place at 7:30 in the morning, but added that other buildings were targeted. "This was an attack on three buildings 460 meters away from the structure we are talking about. Four bombs were dropped and all of them are documented by the planes' cameras. They all struck their targets. In addition, we carried out a filming sortie that photographed the village during the afternoon showing that the three targeted buildings we struck. We have verification of strikes on the building and that the bombs reached their targets," Eshel said.

"An attack that took place at two in the morning struck two targets, both of them 400 meters away from the building (that collapsed). They were also destroyed. The attack between 12 and 1 a.m. struck the area of the affected house, and there were accurate strikes on the target. We are asking the question – what happened between 1 in the morning and 8 in the morning… we understand this building was attacked between 12 and 1 in the morning, seven hours before it was seriously damaged," he said.

Brigadier General Eshel explained that "since the start of fighting in Lebanon 150 rockets from a very high number of rocket launchers have been fired from the village and its surrounding areas, at a number of sites in the State of Israel. Within the village itself we have located a diverse range of activities connected to firing of rockets, beginning from forces commanding this operation – because such an operation needs ongoing command to direct it – and logistical sites that serve this end."

"From this village rockets are fired almost every day across Israel. The operation carried out overnight is an extension of operations that didn't start last night but before, and during this night we struck a number of targets in the village. All of the targets are being meticulously sifted," Eshel added.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283816,00.html

frenchy

07-30-2006, 05:01 PM

Lebanese army open fire on Israeli helicopters

The Lebanese army opened fire on Israeli helicopters trying to land near a town in the Bekaa
valley, preventing them from setting down, Lebanese security sources and witnesses said.

The four helicopters appeared to be trying to land Israeli soldiers near the town of Yammouni, they said.

The helicopters flew away before Israeli warplanes launched air raids on the area, the sources said. (*******)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 05:48 PM

Annan urges Lebanon action 'now'

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/middle_east_enl_1154282214/img/laun.jpg (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/middle_east_enl_1154282214/html/1.stm)
Lebanon accuses Israel of war crimes
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/opennews.gifEnlarge Image (http://javascript<b></b>: void window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/middle_east_enl_1154282214/html/1.stm', '1154282259', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=600,height=478,left=312,top=100');)

The UN secretary general has called on Security Council members to take urgent action after 54 Lebanese civilians were killed in an Israeli attack on Sunday.

Kofi Annan spoke at an emergency meeting on the "tragic" events in Qana.
He asked council members to put aside differences and call for an immediate ceasefire - which is opposed by the US.
More than 30 children died in the Qana attack - the deadliest Israeli raid since hostilities began on 12 July when two Israeli soldiers were seized.
The strike has drawn strong international condemnation and, correspondents say, given a new urgency to diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, has expressed regret at the killing of civilians in Qana, but said he would not call an end to the bombardment of Lebanon.
He is reported to have told US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Israel needs 10-14 days to press its offensive.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Why have they attacked one- and two-year-old children and defenceless women? http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Qana survivor

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

In pictures: Qana strike (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5228392.stm)
Carnage at Qana (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5228972.stm)
Crisis 'cannot continue' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5229510.stm)

Hezbollah militants who captured the soldiers in a cross- border raid have vowed to retaliate.
Several Katyusha rockets hit the Israeli border town of Kiryat Shemona on Sunday, wounding several people, in what residents described as the worst day so far.
Lebanon's health minister says about 750 people - mainly civilians - have been killed by Israeli action.
A total of 51 Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed in the conflict.
Israel's military asked United Nations observers in southern Lebanon to evacuate two more villages - Ramyah and Ayta ash-Shab - before sunset, but they were unable to do so, Mr Annan told the Security Council.

'Human shields'

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora denounced Israel's "heinous crimes against civilians", in the wake of the Qana strike that killed displaced civilians sheltering in a basement.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/gif/_41945308_leb_is_gaz_launch_5map203.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif

Mid-East crisis map (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/5177932.stm)
Qana: Echo of 1996 attack (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5228554.stm)

He said his government would not conduct any talks until Israel had halted its attacks - prompting the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to cancel a visit to Beirut and return to Washington
Many countries condemned the attack, and France has circulated a draft resolution calling for an immediate end to the fighting.
"Action is needed now before many more children, women and men become casualties of a conflict over which they have no control," Mr Annan told the council.
"I'm deeply dismayed that my earlier calls for immediate cessation of hostilities were not heard, with the result that innocent lives continue to be taken and innocent civilians continue to suffer."

Lebanese envoy Nouhad Mahoud criticised the UN for not taking action against Israel - which was "committing atrocities against humanity".
But Israel's ambassador to the UN, Dan Gillerman, said an immediate ceasefire would help the militants.
"I am beseeching you not to play into their hands, not to provide them with what they are seeking while sacrificing their own people as human shields and as victims," Mr Gillerman said.
The US supports the Israeli argument. US ambassador John Bolton said Washington remained opposed to an immediate ceasefire - it was working towards a permanent solution.
But British Prime Minister Tony Blair, said on Sunday the situation could not continue and that all hostilities ought to cease once a UN resolution was adopted. BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who is travelling with Mr Blair in the US, said the prime minister accepted that Qana had "changed things".

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5229058.stm)

DeltaWhisky58

07-30-2006, 05:49 PM

Reporters describe carnage at Qana

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945588_qanarescueafp203b.jpg
Few people pulled from the destroyed house in Qana were alive

Reports from the southern Lebanese town of Qana have described a scene of carnage, with rescue workers continuing to pull bodies from the ruins of a civilian building.

Early on Sunday morning, as BBC correspondents arrived at the site of the deadliest Israeli strike so far in this conflict, frantic efforts to find survivors were already under way.
Displaced families had been sheltering in the basement of a house in Qana, which was crushed after a direct hit.
The Israeli strike killed at least 54 people, more than half of them children.
The BBC's Jim Muir said that for some of the rescuers, experienced as they were, the emotional impact of finding so many dead children in the ruins was too much.
"As I arrived, they were carrying out on a stretcher the limp body of a young boy of about 10. Many other children were pulled out of the rubble lifeless," our correspondent said.
"That's a Red Cross rescue worker sitting here in the sunshine just sobbing - he's so overcome with emotion here," he added.

'Desperate operation'

The BBC's Fergal Keane got an immediate sense of the destructive impact of the attack even before reaching the missile crater.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41945000/jpg/_41945594_qanamanap203b.jpg
Victims of the bombing had been sheltering in the bottom floor of a home

"As we drove into the town we saw ambulances coming against us and then at the scene numerous rescue workers from the Lebanese Red Cross and the local civil defence trying to organise, pretty desperately, a rescue operation," our correspondent said.
His early assessment of the casualties was borne out by events: "The number of wounded seems to be quite small and that indicates that very, very few people survived this strike."
Jim Muir had travelled to Qana along the road from Tyre, and and said the route had been pitted with bomb craters.
He added: "The three storey building where families have been sheltering in the basement was crushed sideways into an enormous crater by the Israeli bomb strike - a site all too familiar throughout south Lebanon today.
"Elsewhere in Qana and along the road up from Tyre, many buildings had been similarly crushed."
Only about a tenth of residents are estimated to remain in Qana, which has been subjected to heavy bombardment by Israeli forces in their conflict with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Those with cars, petrol and the other means to leave have gone, and those left behind tend to be the poor and vulnerable.
The dangers of further bombardment meant that it was not safe for the BBC crews to stay longer than a few minutes in Qana. Israeli warplanes could be heard flying around the area, and there were many explosions in the middle distance.

BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5228972.stm)

Beaufort

07-30-2006, 06:04 PM

Released today by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit:

http://www1.idf.il/SIP_STORAGE/DOVER/files/3/55363.wmv

Beaufort

07-30-2006, 06:36 PM

Israel agrees to 48-hour halt in IAF activity over south Lebanon to probe Qana strikehttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gif

By Ze'ev Schiff (contact@haaretz.co.il) and Amos Harel (contact@haaretz.co.il), Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/images/0.gif

Israel has agreed to suspend its aerial bombardment of southern Lebanon for 48 hours, effective immediately, to allow for an investigation into Sunday's bombing that killed 54 civilians, a U.S. State Department official said early Monday.

Israel will also coordinate with the United Nations to allow a 24-hour window for residents of southern Lebanon to leave the area if they wish, State Department spokesman Adam Ereli told a briefing in Jerusalem.

Some 37 children were among the dead in the IAF strike early Sunday on a building in the southern Lebanon town of Qana, Lebanese police said. Several houses collapsed and a three-story building where about 100 civilians were sheltering was destroyed, witnesses and rescue workers said.

U.S. President George W. Bush on Sunday renewed his call for a "sustainable peace" in the Middle East while his administration urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties in the wake of an airstrike in Lebanon in which at least 54 people were killed.

"Our hope for peace for boys and girls everywhere extends across the world, especially in the Middle East," the president said before the start of a children's baseball game at the White House.

"Today's actions in the Middle East remind us that friends and allies must work together for a sustainable peace particularly for the sake of children," Bush told the teams of youngsters and visitors.

The White House expressed sorrow earlier Sunday at the deaths of dozens of Lebanese people in the strike, and urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties in the fighting in Lebanon.

But the U.S. also reaffirmed the administration's insistence on reaching a sustainable cease-fire.

"The key here is that we want a cease-fire that will work," press secretary Tony Snow told reporters.

Bush was told before 7 A.M. (1100 GMT) about the attack on Qana and had spoken with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is in Jerusalem.

The administration offered condolences to those killed in the strikes.

"This was a terrible and tragic incident," spokesman Blair Jones said. "We continue to urge the Israeli government to exercise the utmost care so as to avoid any civilian casualties. This tragic incident shows why this is so
critical."

The State Department's third-ranking official reaffirmed the White House's position that Israel has the right to defend itself and contended an agreement was near on ending the fighting that has ravaged Lebanon.

Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns expressed optimism despite the airstrike, saying the U.S. was committed to securing a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, and focusing on a multinational force in the region.

"This is a very sad day. We are working toward that cease-fire," Burns said. "We are close to a political agreement between Israel and Lebanon to end this fighting."

Yet he endorsed Israel's military objectives, saying "This has not been a good 2 1/2 weeks for Hezbollah from a military point of view, and they've got to be worried about continued Israeli offensive operations."

The administration has insisted that any cease-fire come with conditions to address long-standing regional disputes, including the insistence by Israel that Hezbollah be disarmed - something the Lebanese government has been unable to do.

"We want to avoid a situation where we essentially put a Band-Aid on something," Burns said. "We have to a have view of a sustainable cease-fire. We have to make sure Hezbollah is not allowed to be in a position to strike
again."

Speaking after the bombing in Qana, Rice on Sunday said it was time for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Rice held a second round of talks with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday evening, after cancelling a scheduled trip to Beirut to hammer out a cease-fire deal with Israel.

Israel, meanwhile, expressed "deep regret" for the deaths and said it would investigate the bombing, which drew widespread international condemnation (http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/744340.html).

"Israel deeply regrets, is greatly saddened, by this attack on innocent civilians in Lebanon. Israel takes full responsibility and is going to start an open investigation to find out how this happened," government spokeswoman Miri Eisin said.

Rice said she was saddened by the bombing and confirmed that she had cancelled a planned trip to Beirut, but would stay in Israel to try to work out a deal for ending the 19-day-old conflict, which was triggered by Hezbollah's abduction of two Israeli soldiers on July 12.

"I am here in pretty difficult and dicey circumstances because I do believe that it is better to try and address these issues face to face with the parties," she said.

But she repeated her stance that a cease-fire could not mean a return to the previous status quo.

"We have to try and do our work well so that there will not be more and more and more incidents over many, many more years," Rice said.

Rice arrived in Israel on Saturday night, less than a week after her first visit, to present to both sides the basic outline of a UN resolution on a cease-fire. She met with Olmert on Saturday night in Jerusalem, and also held talks with Defense Minister Amir Peretz and For