IDF vows tough response to cease-fire violations

The Jerusalem Post ^ | August 13, 2006 | By YAAKOV KATZ

[garbageseeker]

The cease-fire in the Middle East has taken effect. The Air Force, Navy, artillery and other units were ordered to halt all offensive operations.

Since fighting erupted 34 days ago, 166 Israelis were killed - 114 IDF soldiers and 52 civilians.

While the ceasefire agreement was "fragile," the IDF planned to uphold its side to the agreement and to suspend all offensives against the guerrilla group Monday morning, a high-ranking officer in the Northern Command told The Jerusalem Post Sunday night.

On Sunday, the IDF completed taking up positions along the Litani River in preparation for the ceasefire. IDF troops operating in Lebanon, the officer said, would halt their attacks on Hizbullah strongholds in nearby villages but would maintain their positions and would be ready to "jump into any village or city, including Tyre, if necessary."

If Hizbullah fired Katyusha rockets into Israel after the ceasefire went into effect, the IDF, the high-ranking officer said, would see itself allowed to bomb targets throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut. "If Hizbullah breaks the ceasefire, we will see ourselves allowed to respond," the officer said.

Two hours before the cease-fire went into effect, the IAF dropped leaflets on central Beirut Monday, warning it will retaliate for any attack launched against it from Lebanon.

Addressed to Lebanese citizens, one leaflet said Hezbollah serves the interests of its Iranian and Syrian patrons and has "brought destruction, displacement and death."

"Will you be able to pay this price again?" it said.

"The Israeli Defense Forces will return and act with the required force against any terrorist act that is launched from Lebanon against the State of Israel," it said.

[garbageseeker]

This ceasefire will not last long.

[garbageseeker]

If Hizbullah fired Katyusha rockets into Israel after the ceasefire went into effect, the IDF, the high-ranking officer said, would see itself allowed to bomb targets throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut. "If Hizbullah breaks the ceasefire, we will see ourselves allowed to respond," the officer said.

I hope that Israel will finish the job if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire.

[PhillyRepublican]

The ceasefire won't last long at all. Week or two at most until Hezbollah shoots another rocket off or something. Israel should have a large force standing by on the border and go all out in response as soon as one rocket is launched against them.

[garbageseeker]

Worst yet,to send a homocide bomber. That could break the ceasefire.

[nopardons]

It won't last long at all.

[garbageseeker]

I give it a maximum of two weeks and a minimum of a week before the fighting begins again.

[nopardons]

If it lasts a week, I'll be surprised. Actually, I don't even give it a week, before the damned Hezzies strike Israel again.

[garbageseeker]

I agree. A week before the fighting begins again.

[nopardons]

I give it a maximum of a week and a minimum of a few hours.

[nopardons]

:-)

[garbageseeker]

Your theory is the most likely scenario. The Lebanese government is unable and unwilling to control Hezbollah.

[garbageseeker]

Two hours before the cease-fire went into effect, the IAF dropped leaflets on central Beirut Monday, warning it will retaliate for any attack launched against it from Lebanon.

I wish I was the printer for the IDF.

[thoughtomator]

This ceasefire will never be realized in actuality, even for a few hours.

[nopardons]

Thanks! Mine IS an educated guess.

[garbageseeker]

I agree.

[garbageseeker]

That is why you are the best!

[nopardons]

*blush*

Thank you so very much! :-)

[ChristianDefender]

I hate to see Israel on retaliating action all the time... "Fire At Will!"

[garbageseeker]

bump