DEBKAfile reports: Israel has agreed to halt its air bombardment of Hizballah targets in locations where tens of thousands of foreigners are waiting to be lifted out of Lebanon Tuesday, July 18. They include all non-essential UN staff from Beirut. However, Israeli military leaders fear this will leave Hizballah free to exploit the evacuations, including many women and children, as a human shield for posting its long-range missiles and firing them against Israel. Beirut harbor, the main departure point, would be the best vantage point for Hizballah to aim its long-range missiles against Israel’s heavily populated coastal cities. The US and British embassies in Beirut which are coordinating the large-scale evacuations also fear Hizballah may attack the evacuees in the convoys at the most vulnerable points, on their way to the rescue crafts or during embarkation - and then accuse Israel. Washington, London, Paris and Berlin requested and received Israeli guarantees for its air force and navy to hold their fire until the operation which could last two or three days is completed.
However, Israeli military leaders fear this will leave Hizballah free to exploit the evacuations, including many women and children, as a human shield for posting its long-range missiles and firing them against Israel.
DUH!....like we didn't think this would happen....
Did anyone think to ask Hezbollah not to interfere?
What a mess.
On the bright side...while getting out evacuees it gives time for the infantry to prep:)
That would be the entire UN contingent in my opinion.