In Lebanese ghost towns, Hezbollah waits

[bemildred]

Discipline of fighters even evident to critics

JUWAYA, Lebanon — There were no cars in the winding streets of this southern Lebanese village. Not many people, either. Only the buzz of Israeli surveillance drones overhead and, below, a gaggle of Hezbollah loyalists, sitting in a small storefront.

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Hezbollah has retained its presence in southern Lebanon, often the sole authority in devastated towns along the Israeli border. The militia is elusive, with few logistics, little hierarchy and less visibility.

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"Face to face, we're better fighters than the Israelis," said Hajj Abu Mohammed, 44, a militiaman in the village of Srifa.

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Analysts say the militia could probably hold out a month without serious resupply.

Pioneer Press

[Sherman A1]

1. Heard a discussion on NPR

on Monday regarding the strategies of both sides. It appears that Hezbollah is looking forward to a ground campaign by the Israelis and expect to deal them some serious blows.

[DemforNagin]

2. I doubt the IDF

is too worried about Hezbollah's bravado, since Hezbollah goes out of thier way to not target the Israeli military for thier attacks.

[Sherman A1]

3. The Retired Colonel

That was being interviewed refereed to Hezbollah as the #2 military in capability in the region. Yes, they are targeting civilians with the rockets, however when it gets into a ground campaign and being on the defense (particularly in an urban environment) the Israelis will pay a heavy price to push Hezbollah out of the region. Will that price be too heavy, time will tell.

[newyorican]

4. The statistics to date...

contradict your statement.

The majority of Israeli casualties have been military.

[DemforNagin]

5. Only because

Hezbollah's rocket aiming capability seems to be greatly lacking.

How many have landed in military bases? Or even near?