[Battleofbritain]

I am not clear on whether or not Israel will still be allowed to attack Hizbullah in the area Israel occupies south of the litani river after it approves the ceasefire on Sunday. If that is considered "defensive" (which I doubt but some on this board seem to assume), then Israel will have a good deal of time to root out Hizbullah positions. If (and I suspect this is the case) it is not considered "defensive" to attack/root out Hizbullah positions south of the litani, then Israel only has 24 hours to apply all of this newfound man-power (which should have been applied from the very beginning)

[HAL9000]

I'd consider this operation defensive, and in compliance with the Security Council.

But the rockets Hezbollah just launched are a violation of the resolution, but totally predictable.

[sam_paine]

Why do you put so much emphasis on what Israel will be "allowed" to do?

Let's finish your sentences.....

If that is considered "defensive" (which I doubt but some on this board seem to assume), then Israel will have a good deal of time to root out Hizbullah positions. ...before the Israeli public opinion and or Olmert's cabinet decides it is time to pull out.

If (and I suspect this is the case) it is not considered "defensive" to attack/root out Hizbullah positions south of the litani, then Israel only has 24 hours to apply all of this newfound man-power (which should have been applied from the very beginning)...before what? ...before the "international community" DEMANDS immediate action in the most forceful terms?

I wonder if all that 'newfound manpower' being there all along would really have done more harm than good, seeing as how the Reuters photogs would have attacked them by hitting the IDF the only place they can be hurt....Israeli public opinion.

[elfman2]

" If (and I suspect this is the case) it is not considered "defensive" to attack/root out Hizbullah positions south of the litani, then Israel only has 24 hours to apply all of this newfound man-power (which should have been applied from the very beginning)"

I think that disarming anyone in occupied territory will be claimed as defensive by Israel. The UN/French will not be in position to disrupt that for weeks at best.

I think that the IDF has to just begin engagements in all territory up to the Litani river by Sunday so that the results of all battles can be claimed as defensive. That’s no small task when Hezbollah knows this and all routs will be mined and defended.

If needed, I suspect the Israeli cabinet can find an excuse to delay a vote.