[ThermoNuclearWarrior]

Actually I think you are a little naive to believe that Hezbollah couldn't have been defeated much more so than it was. Olmert held back the IDF and there are fairly reliable reports that the IDF wasn't able to do what it wanted.

If there is any conflict with Syria or Iran in the future Hezbollah will start firing rockets into Israel. I think this was a chance for Israel to neutralize Hezbollah's power before any conflict with Syria or Iran.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Israel never wanted to occupy territory in Lebanon and a long term occupation would be the only way more significant losses by the enemy could have occurred. It was obvious from the beginning that Israel would destroy the infrastructure of the area and the headquarters and offices in Beirut through bombing; send in armour and drive to the River and after punishing the terror group and its enabler, Lebanon, call for an international presence on the border and withdraw.

Events occurred just as I had thought. But it is far from over as everyone knows.