Israel/Lebanon Update: July 26, 2006
July 26, 2006 21 29 GMT
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims to have surrounded the Lebanese hilltop village of Bent Jbail. At least eight Israeli soldiers have been killed, IDF reported, though Arab sources claim to have killed about 13. Whatever the final numbers, the battle for Bent Jbail has been bloody.
IDF's Nahal Brigade waits near the eastern border of Lebanon, ready to make a push into the country. Meanwhile, the Israeli air force has conducted more than 50 strikes throughout Lebanon, including one that hit the well-established United Nations' post at Khiam, killing four foreign U.N. observers. Israel has apologized, denying U.N. accusations that the strike targeted the building.
Area Map Source: STRATFOR
