ANALYSIS: Time is of the essence for IDF operation

[spindrifter]

Haaretz
Last update - 01:01 03/08/2006

<snip>

While IDF officials believe that even a limited ground operation of some intensity in southern Lebanon must continue until the weekend, a broader mission would call for an additional 10 days. No government approval for such an operation has been secured.

Ideally, the IDF would also like a number of weeks for "clean-up" operations. The prime minister has indicated only that it has at least until next Monday. In his note, Olmert wrote: "Chief of Staff! If we have time... at least until Monday... because only then will the Security Council convene."

<snip>

Meanwhile, there is a delicate situation emerging over the mandate of the future multinational force. All cease-fire accords involving Israel and Arab states have been based on Article 6 of the UN Charter. This article does not include the possibility of sanctions for violating the agreement. Now, there is talk of basing the cease-fire on Article 7, which does include the threat of sanctions.

The danger is that sanctions will apply to both sides. This may make it very difficult for Israel to defend itself, even if it argues self-defense. Thus, under Article 7, Israel will be unable to carry out aerial reconnaissance missions in order to identify possible Hezbollah preparations for an offensive.

<snip>

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/745774.html

[Tom Joad]

1. There should be sanctions against the Israel now!

[bluedog]

2. totally agree.also enforce UN resolutions against Israel

[everythingsxen]

4. What about the sanctions on Lebanon and Hezbollah?

Shouldn't Hezbollah finally be disarmed as the UN ordered it to be years ago?

[Tom Joad]

7. Let's enforce that resolution when Israel complies with the dozens

it has yet to implement.

[everythingsxen]

8. You are so right!

They should definately not be allowed to have military parades! (UN Resolutions 250 and 251)

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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

[KoKo]

5. Sad thing is...EVERYONE ignores UN...it doesn't do anything that

US doesn't approve of...so no sanctions or resolutions unless they are in US Interests Alone will ever be followed.

I grew up being taught in School that UN was our "Ultimate Arbitrator" working for PEACE!

Sad..how jaded I am, now...that I know the truth of it. I wish I could cover my eyes and ears to block out what I wish I didn't know. :-(

[Igel]

6. I assume they mean "Chapter" instead of "article".

Article 7 is irrelevant.