Reply #12: NY Times story... [View All]

[Rhiannon12866]

Israelis Chase Hint of Victory

Published: August 13, 2006

JERUSALEM, Aug. 12 — Israel’s move to triple its ground forces in Lebanon a day before it is expected to accept a cease-fire has two goals: to cause as much damage to Hezbollah as possible before leaving and to conclude the conflict with something that could be viewed as a victory for an Israeli government under domestic pressure.

Having begun the war by proclaiming that the aim was the destruction and disarmament of Hezbollah, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will only be able to claim that Hezbollah is badly hurt and, with the help of international troops, effectively restrained — even without the robust new international force or disarming of the militia that Israel initially demanded.

In this last army push, which many here regard as awkwardly handled and coming too late to make a big difference, Mr. Olmert wants to ensure that the Iranian-backed militia and its stockpiles are at least cleared out of southern Lebanon. The hope is that inhabitants of the north will be able to emerge from bomb shelters and live without the daily fear of rockets falling on them.

The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to meet Sunday to discuss the U.N. resolution. But the Israeli Army will be pressing forward at least until Monday, if not beyond, trying to destroy Hezbollah rockets and assets. That is a task that Israel does not believe the Lebanese Army, even accompanied by an expanded United Nations force, will dare to do.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/world/middleeast/13israel.html?hp&ex=1155441600&en=c9c338a57d23bd74&ei=5094&partner=homepage