Hezbollah 'seize Israel soldiers'

[Binka]

Hezbollah 'seize Israel soldiers'

The Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah says it has captured two Israeli soldiers during clashes across the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The announcement was made on the group's television channel, al-Manar.

Rockets and mortar rounds were fired from Lebanon towards the Israeli town of Shlomi and at Israeli outposts in the disputed Shebaa farms area.

The shelling was accompanied by automatic gunfire and at least four people were wounded, reports say.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5171616.stm

On edit: Mods if you want to move this to the I/P forum please do so. I thought it was LBN given the current situation in Gaza.

[maddezmom]

1. Israel army launches air, ground assault in Lebanon

JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli army launched a ground and air assault on Lebanon after admitting there was a strong chance two soldiers had been captured by Hezbollah militants, a spokesman said.

Earlier the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah said it had captured the two Israeli soldiers to secure the release of detainees held in Israeli prisons.

more;http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060712/wl_mideast_afp/mideastunrestlebanonisraeloperation_060712082546

[cantstandbush]

28. Isn't it time for international sanctions against Israeal?

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-07-11-israel-palestine_x.htm?csp=24

Seven children killed.

[Binka]

35. Nine Members Of One Family

Oh I Say. :cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[confludemocrat]

121. Of course it is. Wild, indescriminate civilian killing is their US-backed

approach to this kidnapping. They cleared this with Bush and the bipartisan leadership of congress, before they went on this rampage.

[Igel]

122. Or time to condemn Hamas for

using human shields.

"Israel's air force targeted the two-story house of Nabil Abu Salmiyeh, a Hamas activist and university lecturer, after getting intelligence information that the leaders of Hamas' military wing, responsible for the abduction of the soldier, were meeting there. Palestinian security officials said seven or eight top Hamas officials were present. ..."

Any chance the claim is true, or is it just so ludicrous to assume targets could actually be around civilians that the idea's not worth even considering?

As with the Zarqawi bombing: When the protector of a family invites military targets under his roof, he's painting a bull's eye on his family. When the targets go under the man's roof, they must be aware they're painting a bull's eye on his family. They get the lion's share of the guilt.

To kill innocents in the killing of a military target is wrong; to use innocents as shields so that other innocents may be targetted is at least as wrong.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. and so it begins!

ON edit: This is an act of war by Lebanon!

[wakeme2008]

4. LOl and what Israel has been doing isn't

Bullshit...

[Behind the Aegis]

6. pay attention!

This is not Gaza. This is the NORTHERN border? Or are all attacks on Israel justified in your opinion?!

[Name removed]

10. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Tesha]

25. There can be acts of war by both sides, of course. (NT)

[Behind the Aegis]

41. According to many in this thread, apparently not. n/t

[billyoc]

5. Israel and Lebanon *are* at war,

have been since 1982.

[Behind the Aegis]

8. then don't be surprised or outraged at an Israeli response!

[billyoc]

9. I wouldn't be,

as I said, they're at war. :hi:

[Behind the Aegis]

11. cool...we're on the same page.

:toast:

[Violet_Crumble]

27. And if that response involves targetting civilian infrastructure

...we shouldn't be outraged?

Senior officers say that the Lebanese government is responsible for the soldiers? abduction. According to the officers, if the kidnapped soldiers are not returned alive and well, the Lebanese civilian infrastructures will be taken back in time 20 and maybe 50 years.

Lebanon has invested considerable resources in the rehabilitation of its civilian infrastructures from the damage sustained during its civil war in the 1970s and the years of war with Israel throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/737744.html

I really hope threats of that nature are bluster....

[The Magistrate]

45. Unfortunately, Ma'am, They Probably Are Not Bluster

The Lebanese government has a duty to move against Hezbollah in this matter, and if it does not, by all custom and usage it is responsible for this act by an armed force quartered on its sovereign soil, and it is an act of war. Israel would be wholly within its rights to proceed with the demolition of the Lebanese military and all installations and facilities whose operations would benefit and support Lebanese military activities, and to pursue operations aimed at the neutralization and destruction of Hezbollah on Lebanese soil. This is a very different matter from Gaza; it is between recognized states. Spokesmen for the Lebanese government have, at least public, taken a very foolish and irresponsible attitude, that bodes poorly for the future of their country and their people.

[Violet_Crumble]

49. I suspect they're not either...

Israel would be wholly within its rights to proceed with the demolition of the Lebanese military and all installations and facilities whose operations would benefit and support Lebanese military activities, and to pursue operations aimed at the neutralization and destruction of Hezbollah on Lebanese soil.

I agree that Israel would be within its rights to do that, but the threat was specifically to the civilian infrastructure, and that, imo, isn't something that Israel would be wholly without its rights to carry out...

[The Magistrate]

51. We Would Get Into Debateable Points On That, Ma'am

Where the objective is the destruction of a force in being, a very sizeable exercise, the question of what brings signifigant military benefit changes character somewhat from operations aimed towards a lesser objective.

Hezbollah would seem to have sown the wind here, and it is unfortunate that so many others will reap the whirlwind sprung from their action.

[Nimrod2005]

20. I would not say Lebanon, it is the shia group/militia in Lebanon...

[The Magistrate]

46. That Does Not Matter, Sir

The Lebanese government has a responsibility and duty to maintain control of the use of violence within its sovereing territory, and to prevent the use of its territory for operations by an armed body against another state. If it does not take serious steps against Hezbollah, it is wholly liable for that group's actions. The matter, of course, is further compliocated by Hezbollah's participation in the Lebanese government, which fixes the responsibility even more firmly on the country's official organs.

[The Stranger]

114. Lebanon's "government" formed in part from Israel's 19-year occupation

of Southern Lebanon, so it would appear that it is dealing with a problem of its own creation. Also, the Lebanese "government" lacks any power whatsoever to control individuals who are on its frontier -- mostly as a result of opposing Israel's 19-year occupation of Southern Lebanon.

But this is largely a paraphrase of the official party line taken by the Israeli government, albeit camoflauged in flowery language, in order to justify yet another incursion into Lebanon and a clear violation of law. By claiming the Lebanese "government" (which is a misnomer in itself) is responsible, Israel can once again invade another Arab country.

[The Stranger]

29. Not sure what you edited, but your post now would be humorous,

if only it rose to that level. Hezzbollah is not "Lebanon." No one in their right mind would take that position, not seriously, anyway.

That is like saying the settlers are "Israel."

[cali]

39. Actually, Hezbollah has a signficant presence

in the Lebanese gov't. There are 23 Hezbollah reps in the legislature, and a Hezbollah presence within gov't ministries. So although you're correct that Hezbollah is not THE government, they are indisputably part of it.

[Behind the Aegis]

40. It doesn't matter.

It is just another way to justify attacks against Israel, while doing not a damn thing about those that attack her!

Israel can do nothing to protect herself because the only ones who attack her are cowards and terrorists that hide behind the UN and civilians, who in turn chastise and blame Israel for defending herself! It is the same old shit, new day.

[The Stranger]

42. It is not okay to obliterate civilian towns when a soldier is captured.

That is what many here are saying.

[Behind the Aegis]

43. But it is OK to cross the UN sanctioned Blue line to snatch soldiers?

Because THAT is what many seem to be saying!

[The Stranger]

52. No they're not.

You've inferred that from their merely objecting to another invasion of Lebanon.

[Nihil]

55. Are you suggesting that it would have been better ...

... to simply fire missiles in the hope of killing the soldiers instead
of actually crossing the lines to kidnap them?
Or is your defence of the "defence" built on quicksand?

[Ghost Dog]

3. Wildfire. Watch out. n/t

[Binka]

7. No Shit

The idiots on the BBC were talking about how bad this will be for the tourist season. :wtf: Capitalistic assclowns!

[Behind the Aegis]

12. For BOTH countries!

Lebanon relies heavily on tourism. As a matter of fact, a Lebanese friend of mine is returning to Lebanon tonight and was worried about what was happening and how it would affect tourism in his country because they rely so heavily upon that industry.

[Rhiannon12866]

15. Lebanon used to be a real tourist haven, beautiful country, but it's been

too dangerous there, for a lot of years. My Dad, who traveled the world, once scared the crap out of my mother when he said that he planned to visit Lebanon. I knew he wasn't serious, then, anyway. But he died in 1990, and never did get the chance to see it. *sigh* And it looks as if it's going to remain this way for years to come...:-(

Best wishes to your friend. I wish him Godspeed...:-)

[Behind the Aegis]

17. Thanks.

Thanks for sharing your story and for your wishes for my friend.

Beirut used to be known as the "Paris of the Middle East." I had friends from there that taught me Arabic...of course, I only remember the curse words. LOL!

Don't despair though, peace could break out at any time...at least we can hope and pray it does! I wouldn't be disappointed!

:hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

19. You're more than welcome.

My Dad did get to Israel, as well as to Egypt and Jordan, but Lebanon was just too dangerous then, as it is now. And it doesn't look like things are getting any better.:-(

I also have another story about my Dad. He was still on the tarmac on a plane in Cairo, headed for Amman. He was a very friendly guy, fortunate for him. He started a conversation with the guy in the next seat, just being sociable. He said that he wondered if it would be as hot in Amman as it was there in Cairo. The guy hesitated and then replied "this plane does not go to Amman, this plane goes to Baghdad!" Yikes, my Dad was on the wrong plane! So he got off in time. And this was in 1985, not a good time to visit Iraq, as if any time would be...:scared:

And I am sincere in my best wishes for your friend. This does not look like a good time to return to Lebanon. I'm always hoping that peace will break out, but things just seem to escalate and I'm not very hopeful...;(

Rhiannon:hug:

[goclark]

118. I Pray For PEACE

Please don't let GW step in to "solve" this problem.

He does not know how spell the word!

PEACE, PEACE is my prayer.

[Rhiannon12866]

13. CNN Breaking: Israeli troops enter Lebanon amid kidnap reports

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 Posted: 1013 GMT (1813 HKT)

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israeli troops entered southern Lebanon Wednesday, following reports that Hezbollah guerrillas had abducted two Israeli soldiers along the border with Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

"The State of Israel sees itself free to use all measures that it finds it needs and the IDF have been given orders in that direction," Defense Minister Amir Peretz said in a statement.

While not officially acknowledging their abduction, the Israeli military expressed "strong concerns" that the soldiers had been taken captive and Peretz said Israel would hold the government of Lebanon responsible.

"The Lebanese government is fully responsible for the fate of the IDF soldiers and must operate immediately in order to find them and return them unharmed to Israel," he said.

Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Olmert called a special Security Cabinet meeting to address the developing situation. The Cabinet was scheduled to convene at 7 p.m. (noon ET), according to Olmert's office.

Hezbollah TV reported that Hezbollah guerrillas had captured two Israeli soldiers following cross-border attacks.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/12/mideast/index.html

[Behind the Aegis]

14. let's pray it is not a repeat of last time...

...where Israel gets to swap prisoners for corpses!

[Rhiannon12866]

16. I always hope for no more corpses, my friend. On either side.

That's always been my wish. But I'm always disappointed.;(

[Behind the Aegis]

18. I am with you!

But, we can't give up hope! It is all we have! Peace is there...it just has to be cultivated like the olive tree!

[Rhiannon12866]

21. My big regret is that efforts at achieving peace in this beleaguered

region have been pretty much ignored by the current administration. I agree, peace is something that has to be cultivated, especially here. Bill Clinton did as much as he could, but Bush* has completely ignored this, as he did North Korea and bin Laden, other "Clinton issues." And things here continue to escalate and more people are dying. If I could have one wish for this region, it would be to send in the big guns, both Clinton and Carter, who did a lot of good work, were informed on the issues, and really cared about this region and the people. But I'm afraid that the current administration is way too partisan to look past their politics to achieve a greater good.;(

[Tesha]

26. Ahh, the famous declaration.

> "The State of Israel sees itself free to use all measures that
> it finds it needs and the IDF have been given orders in that
> direction,"

Just so long as they don't feign surprise and outrage when their
opponents also use "all measures that it finds it needs".

Tesha

http://www.gocomics.com/danwasserman/2006/07/10/

[Rhiannon12866]

56. I know, and I ache for the people who are caught in the crossfire. :-(

And thanks for the political cartoon, very apt. I've passed it on...:-)

Rhiannon:hi:

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

113. Israel has been attacked

Time and Time again begining even before they were known as Israelis and known as Jewish Palestinians. Their history has been one of self-defense now they are vilified for having the superior army in the region, able to defend themselves from no less than 3 Arab armies.

So what measures would its enemy find that it needs?
Blowing up another wedding party?
Blowing up another birthday party?
Blowing up another outdoor cafe?
Blowing up another commuter bus?

I fail to see how Israel has been the agressor in its history of self defense from people who refuse to even put it on their maps.

[katty]

53. it will only escalate-worse than it is already

[Rhiannon12866]

60. I agree, and it's already pretty bad. I just can't imagine things getting

worse for the poor people forced to live under these conditions, and in the crossfire.;(

[Rhiannon12866]

22. New: The Guardian: Israeli army enters Lebanon

· Two soldiers reported kidnapped by Hizbullah
· Gaza bomb kills nine overnight
· Palestinian president 'threatens to quit'

Staff and agencies
Wednesday July 12, 2006
Guardian Unlimited

Israeli troops reportedly entered southern Lebanon today after at least two Israeli troops went missing during border clashes with Hizbullah and were reported captured by the militant group.
Israeli government officials said the army had crossed into Lebanon to search for the soldiers and prevent them being taken further inside Lebanon. An emergency cabinet meeting would be held at 7pm (1700 BST).

The defence minister, Amir Peretz, warned Lebanon against allowing Hizbullah to operate from its territory.

"The Lebanese government, which allows Hizbullah to operate freely against Israel from its sovereign territory, will bear responsibility for the consequences and ramifications (of the cross-border attack)," he said in a statement. "Israel sees itself as being free to employ any means it deems fit, and the army has been instructed accordingly," he said, seeming to suggest a broad Israeli military response to the abduction

http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1818657,00.html

[maddezmom]

23. EU demands soldier's immediate release

EU demands soldier's immediate release
By YAAKOV KATZ AND JPOST.COM STAFF


The Lebanese government has called on the UN to call for a cease-fire after IDF troops entered its territory to rescue two soldiers captured by Hizbullah earlier Wednesday.

Israel rejected the cease-fire request, Channel 10 reported.

The European Union called for the immediate release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers, and urged all sides to respect the Blue Line border between Israel and Lebanon.

The IDF put reservists on standby and has already ordered reservist brigades to set up along the northern border for continued operations there.

more:http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150885978380&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[Rhiannon12866]

24. Damn! More bad news! Just when we thought things couldn't get much worse.

Thanks for posting this, since this article gives details that the others didn't have...:-(

Rhiannon:hi:

[Nimrod2005]

30. 6 Israeli soldiers were killed as well? and many more injured?

It was some kind of operation against Israeli army, not your everyday stuff on the border...

Israel should bomb Syria...The current Lebanese government does not support Hizballah, Syria does.

[Ripley]

31. Israeli troops enter Lebanon amid kidnap reports

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel launched air strikes and sent troops and tanks into southern Lebanon Wednesday, after Hezbollah television said its guerrillas had abducted two Israeli soldiers along the border.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert described the Hezbollah attacks as an "act of war" by Lebanon and promised a "very painful and far-reaching" response, The Associated Press reported.

Hezbollah is demanding a prisoner exchange for the soldiers' release. In a later claim on its television network, Hezbollah said it had "destroyed" an Israeli tank crossing into southern Lebanon. The fate of the tank crew was not known.


http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/12/mideast/index.html

Wow. Smirkaholic sure brought Peace to the Mideast, eh?

[leftyladyfrommo]

32. Oh, Lord.

That whole area is just ready to come apart at the seams.

[Nimrod2005]

33. We should bring them Freedom and Democracy more often...

Where is Bush when you need him....

[Name removed]

34. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Moderator]

36. The Moderators would like to keep this thread open in LBN.

However, discussion must remain specific to the topic of Lebanon/Israel. If it goes off topic it will either be moved or locked.

[saigon68]

37. Its aleady off the topic

[Rhiannon12866]

61. This thread has remained pretty tame, compared to I/P! :-)

But I didn't see the deleted messages. I am just trying to post the latest news here, because it really is LBN and people should know. But I agree that LBN is not a place for skirmishes. I actually think we've done pretty well, on such a sensitive topic. Thanks for letting this remain here. :-)

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[saigon68]

47. Au Revoir

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Scurrilous]

48. Nasrallah: Hostages in secure location, far away

Hizbullah leader Sheikh Nasrallah makes first public appearance following kidnapping of two IDF soldiers, to deliver victorious speech. ‘This is day of loyalty to Samir Quntar and rest of the Lebanese prisoners in Israel,’ he says. IDF shells Lebanon by land, air and sea

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3274616,00.html

<snip>

"Secretary General of Hizbullah, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, termed the Wednesday kidnapping of two IDF soldiers along the northern border by members of his terrorist organization, “The promise that was kept.”

Nasrallah appeared before the cameras Wednesday afternoon and delivered a public speech promising that the abducted Israeli soldiers were still alive."

<snip>

"Nasrallah continued, “We announced that two soldiers were taken hostage. We will make details known as the time is right. It is not true that IDF forces entered the south of Lebanon after the encounter. The Israeli report is not true. No forces entered. Whoever heard this could have assumed that they reached Beirut, but this didn’t happen.”

Regarding the reports of the Israeli tank that was destroyed, Nasrallah said, “The tank was destroyed when it infiltrated Lebanese territory. Other than that there was no infiltration. The hostages are in a secure place, very far away.”

“The operation was carried out at 9:05 a.m., and at 10:30 the Israelis still didn’t know what happened. The infiltration of the tank was at one point only, and it was destroyed. What we did today was our natural right and the only way to bring about the release of prisoners and detainees held by Israel.”

[Up2Late]

50. UPDATE: Israel strikes Lebanon after soldiers snatched (AFP)

Israel strikes Lebanon after soldiers snatched

12/07/2006 20h31

TYRE, Lebanon (AFP) - Israel bombarded Lebanon after two soldiers were snatched by Hezbollah guerrillas in bloody day of cross-border violence that left 11 people dead, opening up a dangerous new front in the Middle East conflict.

Israeli forces pounded targets from the land, sea and air and sent troops into Lebanon after the Hezbollah raid on an army patrol on the volatile border which Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert branded an "act of war."

A total of eight Israeli soldiers were killed, along with a Hezbollah fighter and two Lebanese civilians in the deadliest day on the border since Israel ended its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon six years ago.

The White House held Syria and Iran responsible, as world powers appealed for restraint to prevent a further escalation of a crisis first sparked by the capture of an Israeli soldier by Palestinians on June 25.

(more at link) <http://www.afp.com/english/news/stories/060712203115.nxdjjm2m.html>

[hollowdweller]

54. Think this was initiated to cause the US more problems in Iraq.

Can't help but thinking that by doing this, provoking an retaliation that will probably hurt innocent Shiite folks too, that Hezbollah is trying to drive a wedge between the US and the US friendly/Iran friendly Iraqi gov't.

In many way the US has given Iran what it could not get in 8 years of war with Iraq. However I'm sure they want us out of there now so they can control things more.

[Matilda]

58. I think it has more to do with Arab frustration with what is happening in

Palestine. The world shuts its mouth and sits on its hands while Israel violates Palestinian
rights.

But the attack was misguided and foolish, and if Hezbollah had stopped to think they'd have known
it could only result in an over-reaction by Israel and many deaths in Lebanon.

[Barkley]

57. Wait a sec. I thought democracies don't fight?!?!?!

[Igel]

124. Since when is Hizbullah a democracy?

The claim is that democracies generally do not start wars of aggression, and prefer to avoid wars in general.

The claim's not an absolute. And it doesn't mean that democracies don't fight.

To misrepresent the claim is to built one's own personal strawman. Battering it may make one feel like a man, but it just raises a bit of dust.

[Rhiannon12866]

59. AP: Israelis Attack Just 10 Miles From Beirut

07.12.2006, 03:14 PM

Israeli warplanes and gunboats struck a Palestinian guerrilla base 10 miles south of Beirut late Wednesday, Lebanese security officials said, in the closest raid to the Lebanese capital since fighting erupted in southern Lebanon after guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers.

Warplanes flew over the Naameh base in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Beirut. Gunboats sailed facing the position, and explosions rang out across the area.

The base is run by the Syrian-backed Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and was a frequent target of Israeli attacks in the past.

The latest attack comes after Israeli warplanes pounded more than 30 targets in southern Lebanon and Israeli leaders promised Lebanon a painful response for the capture of the soldiers.

http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/07/12/ap2874762.html

[MsKandice01]

62. Breaking: Israeli Jets Fire Rockets Into Runway at Beirut Int'l Airport

Reuters reports, quoting security sources. Details soon.

http://www.cnn.com

[liberalhistorian]

63. Jesus H. Christ on a raft, why doesn't

Israel just use their nuclear weapons our money and equipment helped them to develop and blow up ALL the Arab countries. I mean, we all know that them there A-rabs and Palestinians are all terrorists, down to every man, woman, child, infant, the elderly and sick, and their dogs, cats, chickens and goats. Only Israelis deserve to live in the ME, anyway, you know. :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :mad: :mad:

[jseankil]

72. Yes the Lebanese should be allowed to attack Israel with no consequences

Nice fucking one sided outrage! In case you missed it terrorists who are allowed to operate in in Lebanon came into Israel and killed 8 Israelis and kidnapped 2.

[Name removed]

80. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[saigon68]

88. Au Revoir

[liberalhistorian]

131. The Israel worshippers are the real

one-sided outrage experts. What about the family on the beach murdered by Israelis? THAT doesn't count? Or do only offenses against Israel matter?

[BeHereNow]

76. What? How dare you present the facts!

I demand an apology!
That you would have the nerve to point out the fact that
Israel is armed to the teeth with US tax payer funded
state of the art weapons!
The NERVE of some people...
:evilgrin: BHN
http://www.whateveryamericanshouldknow.com/

[uppityperson]

64. here is a reuters link

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=newsOne&storyID=2006-07-13T032733Z_01_L136400_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST-LEBANON-AIRPORT.xml

[PuraVidaDreamin]

65. Can't somebody stop Israel and the US from destroying the world?

What is the purpose?

[wtmusic]

67. To prevent the Lebanese Air Force from launching a massive air strike

on Israeli targets :sarcasm:

[Igel]

126. Or to prevent materiel

and troops from easily coming in from abroad. Hizbullah may make some of their own munitions, but they get quite a bit from a certain prominent Shi'ite country in the region.

I'd also expect Israel to be watching carefully for convoys from Syria.

[UpInArms]

66. dear goddess

this is so not good - understatement because words just fail me

[BeHereNow]

68. It's official- WWW3 has begun.

Hang in the light folks, it's getting darker
by the minute.
BHN

[cal04]

69. just updated at reuters

Israeli aircraft rocket Beirut airport runways

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=newsOne&storyID=2006-07-13T040326Z_01_L11538533_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST.xml

[cboy4]

70. You haven't seen anything yet.

The Israelis have just begun.

[Name removed]

79. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cali]

83. Want to spread some of your outrage around?

Hizbollah not only entered a sovereign nation (don't forget Hizbollah constitutes a sizable chunk of the Lebonese gov't)killed 8 Israeli soldiers, abducted two wounded ones, but they also fired rockets into Israeli towns, injuring several civilians, two seriously.

[uppityperson]

71. Northern Israeli city hit by rockets from Lebanon

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-07-13T042201Z_01_L13106480_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST-ISRAEL-ROCKETS.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-L3-Top+NewsNews-2
Try this link as I think it changed

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-07-13T042201Z_01_L13106480_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST-ISRAEL-ROCKETS.xml
Thu Jul 13, 2006 12:22am ET
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The northern Israeli city of Nahariya was hit by Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon on Thursday, the Israeli army said.

The army said it was unclear if there were casualties.

[uppityperson]

74. Updated Lebanon bombs Israel, 3 inured.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=newsOne&storyID=2006-07-13T043536Z_01_L13106480_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST-ISRAEL-ROCKETS.xml
At least two Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon slammed into the northern Israeli city of Nahariya on Thursday, wounding three civilians, the Israeli army said.

The Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbollah said it had fired 60 rockets at Nahariya, a coastal city south of the Lebanese border.

Israeli aircraft earlier attacked two runways at Beirut international airport, dramatically widening an assault against Lebanon a day after Hizbollah seized two Israeli soldiers and killed eight.

The Israeli army said Hizbollah had also fired a number of rockets and mortars at other areas in northern Israel.One rocket landed in the Israeli town of Zarit, wounding one civilian. Another projectile damaged an Israeli airforce base near Mount Meron...(tiny bit more@link)

[The Stranger]

115. Rockets fired "from Lebanon" doesn't mean "Lebanon bombs Israel,"

and you know it. Lebanon as a nation wouldn't bomb Israel and doesn't have any bombs to bomb anyone with.

[uppityperson]

136. You are right and I apologize. Rockets fired from Lebanon update

too tired to adequately proof before posting, sorry. And having just read "eats, shoots and leaves".

[Rhiannon12866]

73. CNN breaking: Israel hits Beirut airport.

Thursday, July 13, 2006 Posted: 0432 GMT (1232 HKT)

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Officials have closed Beirut International Airport after Israeli warplanes struck runways in the Lebanese capital's Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs, The Associated Press reported.

Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation showed video of plumes of black smoke, rising from explosions at Beirut International Airport Thursday morning.

Journalist Anthony Mills reported hearing fighter jets, explosions and anti-aircraft fire in the area of the airport.

Mills said Lebanese media was reporting that two of the airport's runways had been hit and that officials had closed the airport.

It was unclear if the strikes were from Israeli aircraft or naval warships.

The strikes at the airport came hours after Israel's Cabinet authorized a "severe and harsh" response to the abduction of two soldiers by Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrillas and declared Lebanon's government responsible for their safe release.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/13/mideast/index.html

[Endangered Specie]

75. this is like a blow by blow report.

sad, really.

[Rhiannon12866]

77. I know! It's horrible! And Bush* is where?! Germany...?!

And Behind the Aegis posted that he has a friend who's returning to Lebanon today. I couldn't help thinking of that when I posted this. The people of this region have suffered enough, but it just seems to get worse...;(

[Up2Late]

87. God! Enough already! WTF Israel?

KNOCK IT OFF!!!:wtf:

I wish we had a real President that knew how to say something in less than 3 day. That's how long it always takes him to say anything (the staff has to run it past Cheney first).:mad:

[Behind the Aegis]

90. yeah...they are the only ones to blame!

:eyes:

[enigmacat]

91. They might not be the "only ones to blame"...

... but they are certainly NOT blameless. I have seen many posts by you on DU and have yet to see you ONCE state that Israel is responsible for doing anything wrong. So, yeah, :eyes:

[Behind the Aegis]

93. Israel was blameless in the attack on her soil.

Her response, well, that is depending on what should be done.

I am glad I got the :eyes: from you, it means you know I can't be bullied into hating Israel and don't "go along to get along."

[Name removed]

116. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Rhiannon12866]

94. Welcome to DU, enigmacat!

But be careful of attacking the messenger on this thread, since we want it to remain in LBN, which is never easy with such a sensitive topic.

But we're very glad to have you with us...

Rhiannon:-)

[Up2Late]

102. Incredible. Bombing an International Airport, destroying all 3 runways...

...is not over the top to you?

I'm not an Israel hater, 2/3rds of my Fathers extended family were murdered my the Germans during WW2, but this type of senseless escalation is just unnecessary. If they want to bomb something, bomb where the rockets came from, not a civilian Airport 50-60 miles away.

This Air-strike on the Beirut Airport just killed somebody's kids or parents, 27 Human beings so far, and for what?

For 3 captured Soldiers, so that "...they know we mean business."

I do not, and never will support any government that would do this type of thing.

Btw, this and the bombing of the Gaza Power station, are both considered War Crimes by the Geneva Convention. The Targeting of Civilian infrastructure is not permitted.:mad:

[Puglover]

111. Very well said.

I could'nt have said it any more eloquently. What I would like to type would get deleted anyway.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

117. Proportionality...not!

Thank you for your post -- I agree with it 100%

[liberalhistorian]

133. Amen!!!!!!!!!!!

Couldn't have said it better, myself. A rabbi I knew in college was strongly supportive of Israel, but drew the line firm when it came to things like this.

I think the major problem is that, right now, Israel is rudderless when it comes to leadership. I don't think Olmert knows what the fuck he's doing and I think the IDF is taking over to fill the vacuum.

[Rhiannon12866]

99. Bush* should have become involved in attempting to wage peace in this

volatile region long ago. But this was another "Clinton issue," like bin Laden and North Korea, so he chose to ignore it, as well. And all these "issues" have turned out so well...:-(

[liberalhistorian]

134. Given the actions and reactions of both

sides all throughout this whole mess from the beginning, I'm not sure that any kind of lasting peace can be waged. I think it's time we started to face that cold hard reality.

[IndianaGreen]

78. Don't worry, Bush is praying to Jesus as we speak

and Jesus will save us all!

(sprinkling holy water and offering a chicken to the Santeria god Changó)

[Rhiannon12866]

81. Yeah, I'm sure that they have a lot of those... in Germany!

:-(

[Terran1212]

82. The Rapture!

That's what the Christian Right thinks this is. It's the Judeo Christians finally wiping out the heathen scum.

[enigmacat]

92. LOL

[gardenista]

84. The airport bombing should have its own link. What is going on around here

I usually check our LBN first for important stories, and the airport bombing is buried in this thread? WTF?

Anyway, thank you Binka, for your post.

I hope you and your family are doing well.

[saigon68]

89. Here is the LINK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5175160.stm





Israel has attacked Beirut airport and launched raids across southern Lebanon killing 27 people, in a major offensive after two of its soldiers were seized.

Israeli strikes also hit a TV station run by the militant group Hezbollah, which captured the soldiers on Tuesday and has demanded a prisoner exchange. There were no immediate reports of casualties at the airport.

Ten of the dead in the overnight raids were children.
Israel said its jets also hit 40 Hezbollah targets.
At least 10 members of one family were reported killed in Dweir village.

[Rhiannon12866]

95. I posted the link for the airport bombing.

Since it was part of the same LBN story, it would have been combined with this one, if I'd started a new thread with this, but I agree. This really was huge LBN and probably deserved its own thread.:-(

Here's the link, breaking from CNN. They've updated the story, from the one I previously posted. Even worse news...:-(

Israel strikes Beirut airport
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/13/mideast/index.html

[Heidi]

85. .

:kick:

[Rhiannon12866]

96. Hello, Heidi! Glad to see you!

And I'm glad that someone else is awake, to keep this important story kicked. But news keeps breaking on this, so it's hard to keep up, and none of it's good...:-(

Rhiannon:hi:

[Heidi]

97. Hi, Rhiannon!

Nice to see you, too! :hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

98. It's always nice to see you, my friend...

This thread hasn't been the easiest one to keep in LBN, so the kick is appreciated...:-)

Rhiannon:hug:

[Dover]

86. Israel: Olmert not ruling out emergency gov't

Jul. 12, 2006 23:51 | Updated Jul. 13, 2006 3:58
Olmert not ruling out emergency gov't



Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met individually with Labor chairman Amir Peretz and Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu late Wednesday night, raising speculation that an expanded "national emergency government" could be on the way.

Former prime minister Levy Eshkol formed such a government when the Six Day War started in 1967. MKs in Kadima, Likud, Israel Beiteinu and the National Union called upon Olmert to follow suit due to the tense security situation in the North and South.

Olmert made a point of not ruling out the possibility when he was asked about it in a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in the afternoon.

"I have not dealt with political or coalition activity but its time will come," Olmert said.

Olmert's associates said that expanding the government was unlikely at this stage but it could be considered if the security situation continues to worsen. Coalition chairman Avigdor Yitzhaki said that he was always in favor of having as wide a coalition as possible, especially at a time of war.

..cont'd

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150885983108&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[allemand]

100. Al-Jazeera: Number of dead in IAF attack on Lebanon rises to 47

11:35 Al-Jazeera: Number of dead in IAF attack on Lebanon rises to 47 (Israel Radio)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/ShTickers.html

[maddezmom]

101. Israel enforces blockade on Lebanon

JERUSALEM, July 13 (Reuters) - Israel said on Thursday its naval ships were in Lebanon's territorial waters to enforce a blockade after Hizbollah guerrillas captured two soldiers in a border clash.

Israeli planes earlier attacked Beirut's international airport in another step to sealing access. Israel's Army Radio said other airports in Lebanon could be targeted too.

"Since this morning Israeli naval vessels have enforced a full naval closure on Lebanon, because Lebanon's ports are used to transfer both terrorists and weapons to the terror organisations operating in Lebanon," a military spokesman said.

The spokesman declined comment on whether Israel was also enforcing a closure of Lebanon's airspace.
more:http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13817591.htm

[allemand]

103. IDF threatens to strike Beirut residential areas following Katyusha attack

12:45 IDF threatens to strike Beirut residential areas following attacks inside Israel (Haaretz)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/ShTickers.html

[maddezmom]

104. France, Russia warn Israel of escalation of conflict

PARIS (Reuters) - Paris and Moscow on Thursday sharply condemned Israel's strikes in Lebanon as a dangerous escalation of the Middle East conflict but Washington, while urging restraint, said Israel had the right to self defence.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy called Israel's bombardment of Beirut airport "a disproportionate act of war", adding the risk of a regional war "absolutely" existed.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mikhail Kamynin denounced both Israel's attack on Lebanon and its on-going operations against the Palestinian territories.

"The continuing destruction by Israel of civilian infrastructure in Lebanon and in Palestinian territory (and) the disproportionate use of force from which civilian populations suffer cannot be understood and justified," he said
more:http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/France_Russia_warn_Israel_of_escalation_of_conflict.html?siteSect=143&sid=6892567&cKey=1152787089000

[allemand]

105. Hezbollah threatens to attack Haifa (Reuters)

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/ShTickers.html

[maddezmom]

106. Abbas says Israeli incursion into Lebanon raises fears of regional war

RAMALLAH, West Bank Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (mahk-MOOD' ah-BAHS') says Israel's incursion into Lebanon has raised the specter of a large-scale Middle East war.

He's urging world powers to intervene "to stop this serious deterioration." Abbas spoke after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (joon-ee-chee-roh koh-ee-zoo-mee) in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=5144860&nav=9qrx

[Wonk]

107. Lebanese rocket hits Israeli town of Safed. CNN

Just now, no link yet. I'm sure there'll be one soon.

The only detail announced so far was at least one Israeli citizen was critically injured.

[Warren Stupidity]

108. Hezbollah has been preparing for years for the return of the IDF.

This is going to be a huge mess. I've been wondering how The Cabal was going to get their Iran War On, now the path seems pretty clear.

[Igel]

127. And it would be a shame, it seems, for

God's Party to let all that preparation go to waste.

[4dsc]

128. Hezbollah defeated Israel before

I know the Israeli's are still aware of how Hezbollah kicked their asses during the last occupation of Lebanon.. I wonder if the Israeli hold any false hopes this time..

[Name removed]

110. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Wonk]

112. I think they got consolidated because the mods are walking a fine line.

Usually threads having anything to do with the Israel/Palestine/Etc situation get moved down to the I/P forum pretty quick. This thread has been allowed to stay in LBN.

[saigon68]

123. Au Revoir

[Wonk]

125. They weren't banned, just got a post zapped for asking an awkward question

nt

[maddezmom]

109. Hezbollah vows to strike Haifa if Beirut hit

BEIRUT - Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group threatened Thursday to strike the northern Israeli city of Haifa and surrounding areas if Beirut and its southern suburbs are hit by the Israeli military.
"The Islamic Resistance declares that it will shell the city of Haifa and surrounding areas if the southern suburbs and Beirut are the target of a direct Israeli aggression," it said in a statement.

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=133377

[Wonk]

119. Israel just bombed a Lebanese army base. CNN. nt

[maddezmom]

120. CNNI Breaking from Reuters Israel bombs Lebanese airbase in Bekaa

near the border with Syria.

[Name removed]

129. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sg_]

130. Israel says the soldiers are being attempted to be moved into Iran

breaking on the news at the minute

[maddezmom]

132. here's the link

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/738310.html

[bemildred]

135. Good link, fills in a lot of details about the fighting. nt

[maddezmom]

137. locking

for length and updated thread here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2386179&mesg_id=2386179