Israel says holds government of Lebanon responsible for attack

Haaretz ^ | 7/13/06

[bnelson44]

In a sharp departure from Israel's response to previous Hezbollah attacks, the late-night cabinet session in Tel Aviv unanimously agreed that the Lebanese government should be held responsible for Wednesday's events. In the past, Israel has generally pointed its finger at Hezbollah's patrons, Syria and Iran.

"Israel holds the sovereign government of Lebanon as responsible for the action which emanated from its territory and for the safe return of the abducted soldiers," the government said in a statement issued after the meeting. "Israel must act with appropriate severity in response to this attack and it will do so. Israel will respond in a forthright and severe manner against the perpetrators responsible and will act to prevent future efforts and actions directed against Israel."

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a further session to discuss Israel's response, summoning Defense Minister Amir Peretz, Vice Premier Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai, and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz. The group as comprised is authorized to make operational decisions.

[bnelson44]

This is very close to a declaration of war.

[bnelson44]

Government okays massive strikes on Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces began preparing Wednesday night for a widespread aerial assault on Lebanon, after the cabinet approved a "severe" response to Hezbollah's attack on the northern border on Wednesday, which ended with eight soldiers dead and two kidnapped.

Although nothing is definitely known about the soldiers' condition, they are believed to be alive, since little of their blood was found at the scene of the attack.

The response will include a series of aerial attacks against Hezbollah, and particularly against the batteries of rockets aimed at Israel that the organization has stationed along the northern border. This operation is expected to last for several days. The IDF also recommended various operations aimed at the Lebanese government and strategic targets in Lebanon.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/737860.html

[veronica]

Right on!

[cmsgop]

Operation "BOOTY TIME" will commence within 48 hrs

[dawn53]

Interesting.

I just read an article that said the US is holding Syria and Iran responsible.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1664535/posts

So if Israel holds Lebanon responsible, and the US holds Syria and Iran responsible...it could mean there's going to be some house cleaning.

[bnelson44]

Here is my guess:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1664712/posts?page=21#21

[Paperdoll]

May not be related to subject, but a few minutes after John Hagee's program, featuring an expert on Israel, came on today, the station went off the air for the remainder of the program! (Pastor Hagee wrote the book I've recommended on FR several times, "Jerusalem Countdown", which is both well written,well researched, and right on.)

[xkaydet65]

Israel, George Bush, and Tony Blair seem the only political people or groups who understand that WWIII has been going on for sometime. What does the rest of the world need? mushroom clouds and small pox outbreaks to wake them up.