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Last update - 02:14 12/05/2008 Bypassing the factions By Haaretz Editorial Tags: Hezbollah, Beirut  Hezbollah's show of strength in Lebanon, its continuing clashes around Mount Lebanon and the fact that it has brought its country to the brink of civil war can no longer be considered just "an internal Lebanese matter," as Syria likes to claim. Even though Lebanon's government uses harsh rhetoric against Hezbollah, terming its actions a coup and even ordering the army to take steps to impose order, there is no choice but to acknowledge that this government does not in fact control Lebanon. It is dependent on the whims of Hassan Nasrallah, who is driven by personal and sectarian motives - as well, of course, as being Iran's representative in Lebanon. As such, he constitutes an especially grave threat to Israel. This is not a new situation. Hezbollah's growing strength, especially after the Second Lebanon War, and perhaps even as a result of it; its large-scale purchases of long-range missiles; and its absolute control over southern Lebanon and parts of eastern Lebanon do not allow UNIFIL to do its job appropriately. Hezbollah's disarmament, the dream of both Israel and Lebanon's government, is not even worth discussing anymore. Even Lebanon's prime minister is dragging his feet, though he is the one who always insisted adamantly on the principle of "legal arms only" in his country. The result is that on its northern border, Israel is facing a country controlled less by its government than by a dangerous organization. And within Lebanon itself, there is not much Israel can do about this situation, either militarily or diplomatically. However, it has another alternative: Prompt, serious engagement in diplomatic negotiations with Syria could create an envelope around Lebanon that would significantly reduce Hezbollah's ability to act against Israel. Granted, Syria cannot be expected to sever its ties with either Iran or Hezbollah. But when a country that is allied with Iran and gives aid to Hezbollah is not "embarrassed" to declare its desire to forge a peace and security pact with Israel, it thereby presents a genuine strategic alternative. Advertisement However, it is not just on its northern border that Israel faces an organization in control of a state. In Gaza, Hamas continues to hold the reins of government and to determine not only its own military response to Israel, but also the nature of Israel's relationship with its neighbors, especially Egypt. But as with Hezbollah in Lebanon, in Gaza, too, Israel has an opportunity that must not be missed to deal with the political monopoly that Hamas is gradually consolidating for itself: advancing negotiations with the Palestinian Authority and demonstrating its determination to fulfill all the conditions of the road map peace plan. Even removing sanctions on Gaza, which have thus far not proven effective, might do much to neutralize Hamas' political leverage. Faced with these two threats, from both north and south, Israel can no longer sit with arms folded or make do with military bombast. It must also examine the diplomatic alternatives and make immediate and wise use of them while they still exist. Bookmark to del.icio.us   A few good celebs Some of Hollywood's top guns congratulate Israel in a clip played in Times Square. Chosen, shmosen 'Religion is an incarnation of the most childish superstitions,' wrote Albert Einstein.   1.   brilliant advice from Haaretz 16:57  |  Leon Rosgarten 12/05/08   2.   Syria is back 17:41  |  najoure 12/05/08   3.   Peace in the north is an impossible 04:39  |  Duncan 13/05/08   4.   Wilful ignorance about Lebanon 04:51  |  Rowan 13/05/08   5.   What if the return of the Golan is Iran`s dictate? 05:31  |  Fortuna Benmayor 13/05/08   6.   The thief objects 06:23  |  Mikesailor 13/05/08   7.   Stop fighting pawns Take out the Queen 07:37  |  Andrew Hamilton 13/05/08   8.   Either or 10:20  |  Either or 13/05/08   9.   Fig of imagination 12:59  |  Ahmed 13/05/08   10.   # 7 You have a point, however harsh it may be. 13:56  |  Check Mate 13/05/08   11.   peace or no peace 16:37  |  khalid 13/05/08   12.   Wrong 21:39  |  Tarek 13/05/08   13.   Hizbollah 23:57  |  Dan 13/05/08   14.   passing all limits of a miracle 01:23  |  king k 14/05/08   15.   you are wrong 05:26  |  mazen 14/05/08

Read & React Ahmadinejad predicts Israel will be 'swept away' by Palestinians Responses: 179 Woman, 70, killed as Qassam strikes Negev home Responses: 335 Lebanese army says will use force from Tues. to stop fighting Responses: 93 Israel mulls moving Gaza crossings east to dodge rockets Responses: 239 Bush to Haaretz: PM is 'honest guy' and strategic thinker Responses: 92 More Headlines 02:40 Police quiz U.S. tycoon Sheldon Adelson as part of Olmert probe 05:23 Israel to transfer security in Jenin area to Palestinians 05:29 Defense officials: Egypt to open Rafah, cease-fire or not 05:17 Dennis Ross, Daniel Kurtzer slam Bush's Mideast policy 01:47 Video shows officer shooting protester with rubber bullet at close range 06:15 Mazuz asked to explain plan for synagogue in East J`lem 04:55 Israeli, Jordanian architects plan peace park in Naharayim 03:15 MK Orlev wants to end former MK Bishara's retirement payments 04:31 Still no word from five Israelis after earthquake strikes China 03:00 Welfare Min. launches plan for savings accounts for every Israeli kid 05:38 New IAF chief mentions Iran, abductees at inauguration ceremony 03:16 Olmert: Understandings reached in talks with Palestinians Previous Editions Select Day 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may 06 may 05 may 04 may 02 may 01 may 30 apr

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