UN team comes to Israel to advance prisoner swap deal

"The reason Israel launched an attack 60 miles deep inside Lebanon is because the Syrians are STILL smuggling weapons ito Lebanon." I have seen no evidence of that. Israel is fond of making claims for their actions but I have never seen them produce any evidence, and I have been watching for years. It is only claims and accusations.

The solution to the Palestinian refuge problem pack then up in buses and plans and deport them to the lands that they come from Israel.

Putting civilians aside... How many israeli soldiers were fighting each fighter of hisbolla?

I think israelis are losing value as time goes by: 430 for 1 in 2004 possibly 3 for 2 in 2006 Soon enough all of them will be prisoners awaiting to be released if they continue with this arrogant and violent attitude towards their neighbours.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml Click on = The forgotten war

Last time (January 2004) the exchange rate was 430 to 1. I won't include the dead on eitherside. The one living Israeli was king pin drug dealer turned spy for Hizbullah, Elchanan Tannenbaum. As a former colonel in the IDF, the Mossad had to find out exactly what information he sold in return for his life.

The only point that I will agree with is that the violence of war never makes sense. Violence by definition is senseless. But my particular feeling is like being locked in a room with a violent psychopath. No matter what I try to do that psychopath keeps coming at me. I try backing away, reasoning, hitting, kicking, restraining, reasoning, hitting, kicking, restraining. I can't get out of the room because the door is locked. I tried, but the door just won't budge open and that psychopath keeps coming at me, so I try again, to reason, hit, kick, restrain. What else is there left to do? You tell me. Hezbollah, Iran reject outright the existence of Israel. So, does Hamas and the various other Islamofascist groups. They are simply not open to any dialog that resolves the outstanding issues between Israel and the Arab States except to weaken Israel in hopes of Israel's destruction. That is their stated goal. It is not a negotiating position. And I for one believe them.

"Where Are U.S. Troops for UNIFIL" - Charbel "Iraq." -Lincoln "AND Afghanistan" - Chaval No, they pulled out there. We Europeans may pick up the pieces of the shambles they left there.

Hey yasser, Hezbollah is just popular in the Shiite community. Don't tell me, there is no one christian or sunni who supports Hezbollah. We are tired from people who don't care about lebanon, they just care about their hatred. And if they have loyalty to somebody, this somebody is Iran. Hezbollah should be disarmed... this is the point.

All u talk about is violence mixed with arrogance... Violence however did not liberate your soldiers! Now you need to talk to achieve the swap. Later you will have to talk to achieve peace. Meanwhile, the joke is on you :)

All u talk about is violence mixed with arrogance... Violence however did not liberate your soldiers! Now you need to talk to achieve the swap. Later you will have to talk to achieve peace. Meanwhile, the joke is on you :)

Chris for the million times, the Isreali invaision of 1982 resulted in the birth of Hezbullah, the stupidty of the US government resulted in Khomeie in IRAN and your recent stupidity will result in more Hezbullah, can't you guys get it that the strategy that you are using is creating more enemies and stroner one against Israel, what you need to start speaking and acting the Language of peace. YOu cannot beat all the ARAB it is just not going to happen and the Arab cannot beat you so why don't we sit down and talk peace. It is possible when your leaders in Israel begin to understand that Arab are ripe and ready for peace. the Saudi peace plan of 2002 offered full regonition and full realtionship in exchange for allowing the palastinian state on 22% of original palestine, every head of staed signed on it. all the head of states in the Arab world signed on, how come we do not have even a counter offer or acceptance. You cannot have it both way. Peace is possible.

You COMPLETELY mis-read section 8 of the cease-fire when you quoted "establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani river of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4785963.stm Section 8 outlines the principles of a future permanent cease-fire that the UN calls on Israel and Lebanon to negotiate AFTER the temporary cease-fire is in place. Lebanon is in NO WAY in violation of this section since it is an element of a FUTURE permanent ceasefire, not part of 1701's temporary ceasefire. If you want this enforced, put it in a permanent ceasefire/peace proposal and negotiate it with Lebanon as 1701 calls for.

Just a reminder to the Land stealing Zionests: The middle east conflict is between YOU & US. YOU must decide if you want to live in PEACE or you want WAR. Most of the ARAB population ARE NOT AFRAID. Their Leaders may be stupid, and coward, but the Arab population are not. The Jewish people must have the courage to tell & elect their leaders for PEACE, not war. The choice is yours. You have had 6 wars with the Arabs in 60 years, and the Arabs would probably have 600 more wars, the question is: What is WRONG IF YOU CHOOSE PEACE? OR GIVE IT A TRY? It is a small piece of land we are talking about, and it is not worth generations of war. Arabs & Jews lived in peace for hundreds of years before. I am saying this not from a weak position, but from a determined position. You are not the chosen people, may be you were chosen for war & misery, but it was your choice.

Twogunz, Your expiration date theory is nice, but Israeli kept their munitions dry and refrigerated so they will actually last another six years. However, the freon industry is pretty upset right now.

john u need to put ur effort in Lebanon no onto international community. Yes Lebanon is not Syria not Iran but Lebanon is Hisb"alla.

You mean that 1200 civilans dead was just an introduction to the extermination of the lebanese people and Lebanon ? Beware of what you are saying twogunz...Grow up and understand that it is not in the interest of any nation to exterminate another. Take for exemple the ottoman plans to exterminate one of the must cruel genocide against armenians. Ottoman empire has lost. Take for exemple the german regime plans to extermine jews. Look at it today. Anyway, please think twice before you talk and harm innocent readers.

You are right arabs are not beeing expelled, they are being exterminated. Do you know any country that takes out entire families and destroy their home or not ?? Please Robert we all have to face the truth. We have to accept facts, so that we can build together. German until now is paying for its crimes. hundreds of yeas of wa between UK and France. Everyone recognized its mistake, and now Europe is (..) unified. We have to sit down and talk.

The lebanese problem is to be located between two terrorist states... Lebanon strength is not to have a strong army and to be peaceful with its neighbors. So far, IDF and Syrian armies invaded so many times lebanon... These two countries think that they can control Lebanon only by having strong armies. The beauty of all that and this is thanks to Olmert and his stupid cabinet, we will have a mini-Iran in the south of Lebanon. Israel diserve all this mess. Because its arrogance this situation will last forever..

Ouf! Let's hope the gvt does not miss this peace train.... Shalom / Salut - Clod

well mr ran dee those pple left at the begining of the war and they were lucky they did and after that your IAF start bobming every thing just every thing moving on the ground ,listen even cnn was talking about it the western media IAF was bombing every thing thinking its misiles and again never excuse to kill children and history will never forgive these crimes

Because, in time of war, it is perfectly legitimate, or so I've been told, for Muslims to lie to obtain military objectives. And since Hezbollah promotes an extremist form of Islam one should believe that they believe in their religion, so if there are any signs that Hezbollah is rearming and redeploying then you should believe that they are rearming and redeploying in such a fashion as to deceive the world. Israel, will based on what it feels to be adequate intelligence will respond to the growing threat. You dear whatever have been deceived by your good heart by people who want to turn you into one of them and if not well ... you figure out the rest.

you are so right!

Hezb. is NOT required to disarm until SEPTEMBER. It is clearly detailed in section 10 of the cease-fire. http://daccess-ods.un.org/TMP/7246557.html "...Secretary-General to develop...proposals to implement...1559...including disarmament...and to present to the Security Council those proposals within thirty days" There is NO violation in disarming Hezb. until the Sec. Gen. puts his proposal out in SEPTEMBER. Section 3 is the only other section that immediately applies to arms in Lebanon. It says "to exercise its full sovereignty, so that there will be no weapons without the consent of the Government of Lebanon". The Gov't of Lebanon HAS given consent for Hizb. to keep their arms stashed as long as they don't carry them in public. Lebanon and Hezb. are in FULL compliance of these sections. Siniora has stated that he will work with Hezb. to disarm AFTER section 2 is complete. He is given that time in sect. 8. Calls to do it sooner violate section 8.

Yes everyone has the right of self defense, but their is the notion of proportional response. These activities have gone on for years with cross border raids on both sides. This time Israel chose to raise the stakes and by doing so devastated Lebanon and raised the stature of Hizbollah and radicals acorss the region and now will go back to the traditions of prisoner exchanges. It would have been much easier to do a cross border raid, take a few Hizbollah men captive and then negotiate a release.

who cares what does the leb.army hasin its arsenal and u keep talking about t 72 or armored vihcules ,just take a look at your great idf what did they do with merkava 4 ,u talk like children u need men to fight not machines and hezbullah got them even though i dont like them but its a credit u have to give it to them

Twogunz, Part of the reaso nthat Hizbollah is popular is that it is perceived in Lebanon as having "liberated" south Lebanon from 18 years of Israeli occupation something that no other Arab government was able to do. At the same time it was able to build a social welfare network for the Shiites whom had always been on the low end of every governments radar screen for support. The Shiites are now feeling very empowered from Iran, Iraq and to Lebanon and likely into Saudia Arabia and Egypt as well.

I am very sorry for you Pete that your focus is on this angle rather than thinking about a long term solution. You cannot build a wall around Israel and expect it to hold, physical walls are temporary.

OK. And after round 2 what happens, round 3 until someone finally figures out how to get a nuclear bomb into the region and blow us all up? Can't you figure out that the current cycle just does not make sense and that the macho era needs to be drawn to a close on both sides so that we can have a long standing peace. I am sorry that somewhere in your history things got distorted for you, but this cycle has to be broken at some point.

The defense of one's right to exist is not an “intrusion,” for just as Lebanon and Palestine have a right to exist and defend, justifiably, such a right, so does Israel. Self-defense should not be confused with an offensive intrusion or attack - do not forget that there wasn't war until Hezbollah "intruded" into Israeli territories, unprovoked might I add, kidnapping and killing soldiers. If someone came into your home and took a family member would you not yourself feel justified in responding with force to get them back and protect the security of you own space? A transgressor of other’s rights is unequivocally a forfeiter of their own. Contravening on the clear sovereignty of others is agreeably unacceptable by all.

Tell me "smartypantswhatever", the number of refugees displaced from southern Lebanun has been reported to be anywhere between 250000 and 500000. There were stories circulating throughout the media about the IAF killing one family in a van, shooting up an ambulance and maybe a couple of other strafings on the roads. The stories were repeated over and over again. So explain to me, how did the remaing hundreds of thousands refugees get to safety in the North. Maybe they were beamed up by Scottie, heh?

Since it is very fashionable these days in the States to contract private companies to do the work of the CIA and US army in Iraq, etc..maybe the lebanese government should contract Hezbollah to defend agianst Israel..How about that?

Israel has millions of tons of arms and munitions. When they left Lebanon six years ago, their ammo was current and fresh. Six years later, and the best before date is expired. So rather than destroy these munitions, they decided to use them and replace thoise used with new munitions with new best before dates. See.. these wars are so simple once you understand that war is good for profits. I cant figure out what the payout is for Hizbullah though as they dont manufacture anything except martyrs.

Hi Marco: Tell me from where Arabs are being expelled today. Simply not true. Arabs are in fact expelling non Arabs from the Sudan. Yes the civilian casualties in Lebanon are tragic. It pales in comparison, however to the daily carnage in Iraq between the Sunni and Shia. It pales in comparison to the carnage in Darfur committed by the Janjaweed Arabs against their black Muslim brothers. Where is the outrage? Where is the UN and Kofi, who has the distinction of presideing over other genocides in Rwanda, The Balkans etc. However, I hope your government will send more than 200 troops to South lebanon as they promised to help the Lebanon take control of the entire country. An armed militia within a country will only create conflict either within the country or externally as Hezbollah has demonstrated.

Well now tony my boyo. you say Israel after using all her power could not defeat lebanon. well actually you are worng me bucko. Israeli political leaders screwed up this first volley, by not using the full weight of the IDF juggernaut. What was used was a mere fraction of what could have been brought to bear. The only reason for the poor shopwing was too little force for so long and the stupoid regards for civilian casualites. Round two will be comming down the pipe soon as Hizbullah finishes arming again, and then it will be a different story. but Syria will be the battle ground, and Hizbullah will try to open a second front, and this time be drawn away from lebanon in order to help defend Syria. there they will be slaughtered. Inept Israeli leadership caused this mess to flounder, not the use of IDF assets. So pay attention Boyo, round two will go to ISrael

Last week, the United Nations passed resolutions ending the fighting in lebanon and promising security for Israel. The resolutions called for the cease-fire, as well as for the disarming of hetzbollah and an embargo of weapons from syria for this group. The latter two terms were to be enforced by 15,000 troops of the lebanese army as well as a multi-national peacekeeping force numbering 15,000 troops. It is unthinkable that hetzbollah will agree to disarm; moreover, the lebanese army has indicated it has no wish to disarm the group. The same can be said for any multi-national force, particularly as there is not a definite decision as to the rules of engagement. If these terms are to bre enforced, it will be by Israel, more for self-defense than aggression. For the lebanese government not to take responsibility for adhering to the agreements, but to declare that anyone attempting to violate the resolutions will be prosecuted as working with Israel is ridiculous.

All the Arab bluffs are for naught. Cease Fire won't last until Labor Day and Israel will kidk Heabollah all around the desert. Hezbollah will be conquered like the little cowards they are and they will run out of their tunnels with towels tied around their eyes in defeat.

real politic doesnt sit well with you does it Andrea. if it were a local matter, Lebanon would have dealth with it six yearsa ago. Now it is an international matter which is being dealt with by Israel and the UN . whiule you may want to do laundry at home, all you have to do is shut hizbullah down and send them packing. But I forgot that most lebanese prefer supporting terror rather than supporting peace.. why? It simple. Terrorism means not having to accept responsibility for your actions, and Lerbanon does that well. After all had she dealt with Hizbullah before , we would not be here now

Mr. Nasrallah guy hired himself spokesman on behalf of the Lebanese citizens!...this is sick , he destroyed Lebanon...I don't care if Israel is the enemy or not (it could be any other country) but Lebanon is not for Nasrallah and company!..He led the country to war just for the sake of not breaking a promise!

Respect respect respect. When Hizbullah learns the meaning of that word, we may have peace. In the mean time, it is easier to burn gun powder to teach them some respect. If the lebs dont like it, then dont come down on Israel, kick the crap out of hisbullah they are the ones setting lebanon back 20 years or more. remember power comes from thje barrel of a gun.. Hizbullah subscribes to this theory, and it seems to work. nasrallah is the honourary president of Lebanon

The Lebanese Military has antiquated soviet aRMOUR (t72 TANKS) AND EVEN WORSE JEEPS AND apc. bUT DONT WORRY, THEY WILL BE TOUGH ON CEASEFIRE VIOLATORS. i ALMSOT BUST A GUT READING THIS. They will be tough.. it is to laugh. They are a hairs breadth away from being in a secular war again with Shiite and suni and christians and they are going to be tough. Hizbullah has already partitioned lebanon and they want the south so they can continue to attack Israel. Lebanese going to be tough. ROTFLMAO. Suffering sukatash

Hey Charbel, From your name i can tell that you are a lebanese maronite, and as christian you should find an answer to you question about sending US troops to south Lebanon. How can USA join the UNIFIL in the south where majority Shiites live there. Every american soldier is considered as another devil for the Lebanese Shiites. So please be more realistic and don't ask USA to join the UNIFIL. They don't wanna see their soldiers getting killed by Hezbollah.

"Where Are U.S. Troops for UNIFIL" - Charbel Iraq. -Lincoln AND Afghanistan

A member of US armed forces wearing a UN helmet?? What a horrible thought. Nobody but a California democrat could envision such a thing without feeling horror! In fact, I would venture the proposition that if or when the day ever arrives that Israel wants or needs US armed forces in its territory would be the time that all Israeli jews would be better off moving to France or somewhere else in Eurabia.

If british only know, Israel must be establish in Ireland and the Irish problem will be resolve. England will use Israel to extinguish IRA. Isn't a good idea?

You created hisbolla with your continuous aggression and occupation, now you should deal with the results of your own actions... if u can :) You said too bad israel did not level all of the lebanon, I guess u can eat your own words.

Wow, just look at those French troops storming the shore in their cute little rubber dinghys. Boy, we can sure count of them and all of France to do a bang up job enforcing the peace. Maybe next time they will be wearing their swim suits.

Why does Hizbollah and Hamas quote Haaretz more than any other Israeli newspaper ? Because the people behind Haaretz have always written exactly what Israels enemies want to read. Just compare the readership of Haaretz compared to Yediot and Maariv in the last year ( http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?compare_sites=yediot.co.il&range=1y&size=medium&y=r&url=haaretz.co.il http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?&range=1y&size=medium&compare_sites=maariv.co.il&y=r&url=haaretz.co.il#top

so u tell pple to run cause u are going to bomb and at the same time u bomb all the roads and bridges even the ambulances and then tell me how in the hell they are going to leave and even though u cant just bomb them telling them u told them to leave this is too stupid

its important to note that hezbollah puts up haaretz articles amongst others on their site. now why would they do that? see for yourself... http://www.ghaliboun.net/eindex.php or http://www.moqawama.org/

"Where Are U.S. Troops for UNIFIL" - Charbel Iraq.

Dude...last time I was down there, almost all of the weapons are french (the bulk) with a few russian made AKs and some Chicoms...but the bulk of weapons in that area came from France weapons makers...Not Israel...Sorry, your wrong yet again...

You have obviously been misinformed like the majority of Americans. Israel did suffer a defeat I will give you that. But they never ever killed any "innocent" civilians. The Israeli air force dropped pamphlets over every place they bombed, warning the citzens to leave the area because that area will be bombed soon. They were giving ample time to leave, and those that didn't were casualties of war, but Israel has never and will never directly target citzens. You are truley playing into the hands of the Hezbollah American, you are just a pawn in their game for world domination. How do you feel now?

USA has no problem providing troops, as long as the region knows that we WILL disarm and we WILL shoot first and ask questions later. It was believed we would be too Harsh on poor Hizbollah and that we lean too much towards Israel, so the UN in its infinate wisdom wants people who are "Impartial" which basically means people who won't do the job. America also has an issue since Samolia...no US troops under UN command. period...BUT we are providing an Air-reconisin wing to let the UN know where the Syrian Violations are and where the re-armament shipments are crossing at. I am sure we plan to provide this info to any airforce that would like to take action a destroy those targets...

MR eli do you think that killing childrens has an excuse?1100 civilians killed in lebanon does this make any sense to u ?if u think u have the right to kill children then lets shut down this computer u and me and go fight each other across the border cause the way u guys think is way way too far from us and there is never an excuse to kill children in lebanon no matter how much u try to make a case out of this and the world is watching so be carefull

Haaretz,Hope you will post this message. Israel couldnt do a swap from the start? Israel said no ceasefire before unconditional release of soldiers and not before destroying huzballa. But the fact is , that Huzballa is still existing, Israel is going to make a prisonners swap. Congratulation to Olmert for making Israel loose against Huzballa. History is going to write that IDF lost against Huzballa guerilla.

The self- defenSe angle is pretty evident, but you are only giving half the story buddy. The reason Israel launched an attack 60 miles deep inside Lebanon is because the Syrians are STILL smuggling weapons ito Lebanon. Therefore, not only is the Lebaneses government not holding up it's end of the ceasefire, (should we be suprised by this?), but it proves that Israel NEEDS to be there to protect the lives of her citzens.

Firstly i really am a muslim and i was actually born in the same city hezbollah was born in baalabek lebanon. secondly i think you have misinterpreted the contexts of my posts. i support hezbollah and i support their right to resist (key word resist). i believe there are two types of people in the world (as simple as it may sound) people who seek peace and justice and people who seek war, destruction and injustice. and you have muslims christians and jews riding in one boat and you have muslims christians and jews riding in the other. my post merely suggests that the haaretz is in the path of peace and justice. jewish people have to realise we are not against judaism we are against the policy of your government. muslims cant live in shame and humiliation. we cant be slaughtered while remaining silent.

did u know how many years it took israel to abyd 425 ?do u know how many un resolution israel didnt respect and thiose resolution has numbers like 1701, i mean common this double standard to look at things in this world like bush does will not do any good to any body

We have not diminished one iota our support or admiration for the IDF. We are not depressed. Nor is our morale wounded in any way shape or form. We are pissed off like you wouldn't believe at our political leadership which failed to show the decisiveness, confidence, flexibility and leadership that Israel has been accustomed to seeing in a times of crises. Who was being addressed by the Lebanese Defense Minister was the UN. He sounds very much like Arafat Junior. Where even when members of his own Fatah party "violated National Interests" by killing Israelis and did nothing. But then the "International Community" see he condemns terrorism. But then again, actions speak louder than words. And if Hezbollah tries to rearm, as I'm sure they will with Lebanon once again turning a blind eye, what will that say about Lebanese words and your gullibility. Oh... don't forget, the Americans are not in Bagdad.

We must all renounce force as a means of solvin our conflicts. There are always 2 sides to dispute. 3rd parties also play a role, and if we in USA are to be leaders we need to become neutrals, and not a mariage partner to one side or another. We are under undue influence due to enormous money devoted to make us be unfairly favorable to Israel. Had we spent as much time and money on aiding peace and Justice for Palestinians, and a 2 state solution, we would have had none of the escalating crises we now facae. Wit many more to come, unless we turn to a new direction. This involves courage and faithfulness: treat all sides equally, let us negotiate for the sake of all families, all peoples to have adequate housing, food, water, medical care, safety, education, and work that contributes to our world`s peace. We in the US have failed to listen and to be compassionate of all who have suffered. Stop all sales of weapons. Its time to end one-sided policies, and get committed to justice.

Israel was the only country to have good relation with south Africa during appartheid, they sell weapon to Rwanda for the genocide, more worst, to congo, Sierra Leone etc... The World will be safe without Israel.

It was discussed that Hezbollah reason for fighting is because of Shabaa farm lands hold by Israel.My question was,if Israel would return Shabaa farms to Lebanon,than the reason for Hezbollah to fight and exist will disappear and they will have to disarm.Of course we all know that this is a demagogue reason.

The USA and Isreal complain about France not sending enough troops, why doesn't the US send troops for UNIFIL? Are they all tied up in Iraq? I don't think so.

Coffe miam miam lives very soon UN and may be the general secretary assistant w'll have a good position to succeed Mr Kofi Anan.Its the time now.

just one question ,if israel has a piece of land ccupied and its fighting for it would u agree on disarming israel?why no body look at the root at the main cause of why those pple are fighing then u can solve this problem

Eric, Let me un-confuse you and bring you back to earth.... The Lebanese minister was not addressing Hezbulah... he already has Hezbulah's word that they would not break the existing cease fire. He was actually addressing the enemies of Hizbulah who would like to give israel an excuse to continue their arial bombing of innocent civilians after their militery defeat and public humiliation on the battle field by a couple of thousand Hezbulah fighters . I agree with you however, that the Lebanese army is not currently equiped to face the israeli aggressions and intentional provocations. I doubt that israel would repeat the same mistake, never-the-less they will desperatly try to save face with the israeli public whose support and admiration to their IDF has been seriously damaged

Kofi Annan is ridiculous. The whole point of the ceasefire to stop Hebzbollah from rearming, yet the Lebanese gov't has proclaimed that it will not stop Hezbollah from having arms south of the Litani River. Resolution 1701 states: ?...establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani river of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL.? The Lebanese gov't is blatantly violating 1701, while it is doubtful whether Israel is violating it, as 1701 permits defensive measures (which should include stopping the resupply of Hezbollah). Annan has chutzpah!! What a mistake to make Annan the arbiter of 1701!!

Don't see & hear whatyou want ..see peace as an objective: 1/ Israel government has decided to create a group for probable negociations with Syria 2/ Arab league is now meeting to rebuild Lebanon and revival of Peace Process. See the good things and everything can be pink not black ...

hello there, I understand your view of the situation. Even if Lebanon would accept to give citizenship to palestinians, there are a lot of problems lebanon would have to face: 1/ Space (Lebanon is smaller than Israel) 2/ Religious configuration (very problematic today) 3/ Financial (Lebanon has not enough raw materials and self production) As for Europ interfering in the ME region: We have to be against any interference either US or European in our region. We must be enough civilized to discuss together and build our region's future together hand in hand. I am Lebanese who believe in Peace, who believe that jews has suffered a lot, that arabs are suffering today, but in a way, hand in hand we can make an extraordinary region, that will enjoy peace, harmony and much more. We need to talk. We are brothers and sisters, we are human. Everyone cries for a baby dying should this baby be jewish, muslim, christian or buddhist. Everyone gets made seeing his country being destroyed

Let me recall you that on 12 July it was Hezbollah that decided to attack by killing 8 israeli soldiers and taking 2 other hostages.And all the arms,rockets,missiles etc.are only to get back the 1-2km of Shabaa farms? If I understand well,as soon as Shabba farms will be back to Lebanon Hezbollah will have no more reson to exist and will desarm.

Israel has a right to its land and wants to live in peace with the Arabs who, on the other hand, want it all. Never again!

The significant date of August 22 may be a time when Iran attacks Israel. Beware of their War maneuvers now throughout their country. Thay may be beefing up their defenses in advance of a missile attack.

If you are a muslim then let's hope that there are more of your kind in this world that dare speak the truth then there will be hope for peace in this world.!!

You still gave me no answer why do Lebanese people tollerate Hezbullah? They succeded with syrian soldiers on their teritory,why not with Hezbullah? Why does lebanese population not accuse Hezbullah for this war? Why don't they uprise against Hezbullah. If there were not for Hezbollah this war would not happened.I am sure that Nassrallah is afraid of the population and now he is making gifts to the poor victims to gain sympathy.

Because, the french troups are on the way Estimated day arrival - thursday (third wave of french troups - 150) I think everybody in Lebanon and Israel is enjoy.No? Why? You ask since one week after the french troups and you says in TV,in papers,and in this forum that the french people lies and they don't respect their promise...

I can only laugh at the dispicable manipulation of Lebanese politicians in this conflict: either Senora crying over fictitious massacres or the government's demanding the return of Lebanese 'prisoners' and the so-called 'Shebaa farms' (belonging previously to Syria). What they have done is agreed to a war against Israel waged by Hezbollah, the real victor of the Lebanese civil war. You Israelis have lost your war, and your weak leaders, betrayed your proud soldiers, are digging your own graves. You failed to destroy Hezbollah, failed to return your soldiers, failed to conduct a real ground war, and now the entire Arab world is toasting your annihilation. Barak paved the way by abandoning the Christian SLA with the Lebanon retreat, but Olmert did what no Arab army had ever done: single-handedly he destroyed the invincible aura of the IDF. Lord help the land of Israel.

how can israel and its allies not have seen it coming that the UN and Lebanon with this mandate co-orchestrated by France (on the side of Iran an Syria) are closing in on Israel. I mean come one: UN is openly against Israel, France is Arabist, and Lebanon calls Israel the enemy - with this explaining to he world that hezbollah was fighting in Lebanon's name.

Neither a Christian, Jew or Muslim, I try to pay attention to world's beyond mine. So i read haaretz for the news, and have also read many of the opinions on different stories. I am always amazed at the sheer bigotry and racism within these messages. So rastaman has an opinion? Right/wrong, so many of the replies are dsmissive. Americans don't live in Israel/Lebanon, yet their - often unimaginably ill-informed and racist views are scattered throughout Haaretz. I'm in London: does that invalidate my views? On this issue, even Kissinger said in the '80s, 'The Guerilla (fighters) win if they do not lose, the convetional army loses if it does not win.' Which is simple enough for everyone to understand. One day everyone might be smart enough to be simple enough to simply embrace peace.

According to Hezbollah, Israel still occupied Lebanese land, held Lebanese prisoners and never provided maps for landmines they left behind in Lebanon after they withdrew in 2000. Also because Syria, the supporter of Hezbollah was only forced to leave Lebanon last year. Since then, the newly democratic Lebanese government welcomed Hezbollah members into their elected government. They were elected officials that had to be made accountable and part of the process. The Lebanese government was already in negotiations with Hezbollah to disarm before July 12 and that I when Israel decided to attack and all hell broke loose. Now Hezbollah will be more difficult to disarm as they have grown in popularity and have a greater justification for them to hold arms. Thanks to USA and Israel for their miscalculation which is now making everybody pay a higher price. Remember it took Hezbollah over 20 years to develop as a resistance to Israeli occupation. Israel now wants a new young democratic Lebanese government (since only last year) to accomplish what Israel could not do in 18+ years occupation. And.. they want it NOW!!!!! How ridiculous and unreasonable of an expectation.

Will the world really deal with them before it's too late? It is kind of too late already: These had to be dealt with 15 years ago instead of giving them the opportunity to give birth to Hizbullah. But I understand your opinion and even respect it. One thing remains though: Cutting off Hizbullah is impossible without cutting the root. You can't kill a snake by shooting its tail, you need to shoot its head. Tentacules do not kill the beast. I just want you to beware, as well as I want the Lebanese people to do the same: it's getting late, and one day we'll wake up with an atomic iranian bomb sent on either us or you, we're so close that we'll both be hit. And trust me, it is that dramatic and that serious.

I think Geoff is right. This morning, Gil Yaron, an Israeli journalist advocated to impose something like a European face on Lebanon because the US have themselves ruled out during the war. Honestly, I don't want Europe back in Lebanon. Instead, I'd prefer an implication of the Palestinian refugees in the debate about the Lebanese state. If a correct life can be given to palestinian children, palestinian grand parents and parents will probably in vain try to transmit the deception about their lost homeland to their children. And if they tried inspite of this, it would be violence against these children because it would mean to charge them with superfluous problems. The same is true for Hezbollah people who educate their children with the conviction that Palestine has to be freed from occupiers, thus implanting in the brains of these children an artificial hatred.

You will need to know Hebrew or find someone who does who can help you. Go to http://www.144.bezek.com/ In the ?Azor Chiyug? field, choose 04. In the ?Yishuv? section choose, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi or Nahariya In the ?Mispar Reshumot? choose 20 You can obtain names and addresses of people living in Kiryat Shmona, for example, by typing the first two letters of the Hebrew Alphabet (aleph, bet) and then click on ?Itur?. Clicking on ?kadima? will give you the next 20 listings, and so on. Devise a method to ensure that no one person will receive more than one donation. For example, if you work with 21 other people, and each person will make a single donation, assign a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet to each person. They in turn will randomly choose the second letter and again choose a random name for the Bezeq listing. **For Deposit Only** should be written on the back of any check. Your letter is probably more important than your donation and can turn someones world.

Marco, Palestinians have become citizens of Jordan. There was certainly no outcry in the U.N. about that. The sad fact is that while Israel absorbed over 600,000 Jewish refugees from Arab countries, these same Arab countries, with the exception of Jordan, have refused to assimilate a similar number of Palestinian refugees in far greater territory, or treat them humanely, let alone as brothers. Instead the Palestinians have been kept by the Arab countries downtrodden in refugee camps and cynically used as anti-Israel pawns. It is outrageous how the international community has not been more forthright in condemning anti-Palestinian behaviour by fellow-Arabs.

As for Syria and Iran,the world will deal with them too.In the meantime the fight is against Hezbullah and they are on Lebanese land so the battle is on Lebanese ground.I understand your sadness but as long as this terrorist group will be on your land Lebanon will have troubles.

i read the same article on the ajazeera english news site as i did here on haarets. i found that there was differences in opinion in regards to the threat made by the lebanese defence minister. the headline in the aljazeera article read "Hezbollah warned against truce violation" stating that the lebanese defence minister Elias Murr had harshly warned hezbollah. but in haarets it reveald that the threat wasent actually directed at hezbollah but rather at factions other than the hizb firing rockets in an attempt to escalate the situation for their political gains. im not surprised with aljazeera's attempt at twisting words. im actually surprised with the haarets account of the situation. it has proved itself to be more accurate and more reliable than aljazeera. so whose the enemy again???

Direct donations would totally circumvent all unscrupulous operations, huge fundraiser fees, and ongoing organizational expenses. Giving to the Jewish Federation in general is a good thing but your money intended to help the people of Israel might wind up helping to build a day care center for single mothers in Wichita. To do this right, work together with your friends or family or announce your intentions about running this project and why you are doing it at your local community center, Church, Synagogue or Mosque.

How to ensure that your donations are not being squandered... Nearly every street in Kiryat Shmona took direct hits and extensive damage to personal property remains the biggest problem. To maximize how you?re hard earned money can help support the victims of this war spiritually and economically, send a donation directly to randomly chosen people in the north along with a personal letter explaining who you are and how you feel. Bezeq has an Online telephone directory (in Hebrew) http://www.144.bezek.com/ listing the name and address of everyone in Israel who owns a telephone. But it?s the people of Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, and Nahariya who need your help the most. They?re the ones who not only have the least; they are the one?s who lost the most.

Many Non-Profit and Not-for-Profit organizations are franticly involved in massive fund raising campaigns to support Israel in this time of need. By in large, this is a good thing, however, beware: Not all of these organizations are above board. The fact that they are advertising on your favorite web site or have a .org in the domain name has no connection whatsoever with their legitimacy. Before making a donation, request a copy of the organization?s IRS Form 990. By law, they must produce the last 3 years of statements for all who request them. If you are not familiar with the form or don?t know how to interpret it, go to this link: http://www.npccny.org/Form_990/990.htm or contact your accountant for more information. Salaries and other expenses should not be exorbitant and expenses relative to revenues should be relatively low.

Maybe one of you can tell me why do the lebanese people still need Hezzbullah? If there were not for Hezbullah,Israel would never attack Lebanon.If only lebanese people could get rid of this terrorist group,they would live in peace and harmony with Israel.As I can see it Lebanon is only having troubles for defending Hezbullah.If lebanese got rid of syrian army from their land last year,why not trying to anihilate Hezbullah as well?It would be on their best interest.

because they're a threat both to you and to us. God! Read history. These palestinians in Lebanon killed Lebanese and wanted to take over lebanon. For 15 years they killed Lebanese, judges and other all in the name of hatred for israel and lebanon. These palestinians are pro-hizbullah and they say it loud and clear! They provide arm caves to Hizbullah! you're so far from reality: Israelis please re-read my messages on this topic and you'll understand everything. The American dream is only an AMERICAN ONE. It is serving your interests so far, but never trust an american who covered a syrian occupation in lebanon which CREATED Hizbullah for oil or other purposes in the region.

remember how Jew where treated before teh Shoah. They where expelled (like arabs today), they where treated like nothing (like arabas today) .. More than 1000 lebanese civilian killed is maybe not enough for you to understand ... Perhaps the day more than 5 million arabs are killed you'd understand. Unfortunately in this world, we never see or never accept to see what is evident. We have to let it come than mourn. God be with us.

I agree. Let syria come back in...This time America will have an excuse to jump in and destroy the half pint dictatorship...Thats a war that would last less than a week...and if Iran felt froggy, then Jump...We got something for you too...

Because Hizbollah is a terroist orginization. The lebanese government has no control over Hizbollah militia. Syria dn Iran are governemtns. IF syriaor Iran was stupid enought to attack Israel then they would be bombed into the dark ages. When a government acts it must accept responsibility of its actions. Hizbollah is not the lebanese government...Fairly simply..so wake up and understand reality...

There is only one country in the world that knows how to do with terrorist/ arabs. And that is Israel. The Lebanese army? Dont't let us laugh!

It is very easy for you to criticize and to pity us. Learn the history of Lebanon, a victim of Iran, Syria, Israel, the international community, the UN... But still: like a pheonix, we will rebuild every time something happens and Beirut (central beirut) will remain Paris of the middle east, the city of light and night life in the middle east. Make it possible for the lebanese to care and to make peace. You can do it. And we will not reject it. A little more effort is needed. Lebanon is not Syria, lebanon is not iran: This is where your problem is: in syria's assad and in Iran's Ahmadi Najad. Fight them, otherwise, we'll both be seas of blood and tears in the coming years. Yes, both of us cause they know that the majority of lebanese hate them, despise them +look forward to peace with neighbors... Peace was so close this time, that Iran moved its actions and Israel fell for it... you're still falling for it.

You guys must have good stuff donw there in Africa...IF Lebanese government rolls a terroist orginization into its military as an armed force then everything they do would be considered an act by the lebanese government. Israel only targeted know Hizbollah buildings in Beriut and did not GO AFTER lebanaese government officials unless they were directly dealing with the forementioned terrorist orginization. Allowing Hiabollah to keep arms is violation of resolution and of the cease fire. Allowing Hizbollah to roll into military would mean Lebanon would have to suffer teh consequences of an all out invasion if Hizbollah starts crap yet again.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has to be replaced. I am curious where was verbal attacks on Hamas when they were blowing up Israeli Men, Woman, and children while they ate in cafes,rode buses, or while sitting quietly having a seder, Where was your verbal attacks when Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and Missles were raining down on Israel up to 200 a day. Kofi I don't know where you think you are but here in America we noticed. We saw your anti-semetic ways, we saw how you cater to the mid east countries. Do us all a favor while your packing your bags, please help the other third world nations get out of the USA also. Under your leadership the UN is a joke. You want to show the world you can do a job then enforce resolution 1559, start condemming Syria and Iran. and let Assad and the nut job in Iran know the world is serious about what they are doing. If the UN is so terrific why is it you can't even get countries to commit to being peace keepers. That says it all the UN IS A JOKE.

Your point 5 is happening already, that is not something that only occurs when the Lebanese will try to disarm Hezbollah. The international community together has to disarm hezbollah, for the sake of both Israelis and lebanese. Get away with hezbollah.

lots of tissue ????so sad u know,look at israelis goverment faces and ask your self who need the tissues right now,olmert is the one who is going to need lots of them and some help from god to keep him in his post with the ignorant peretz

Israel should respect UN resolutions, as well as arab countries. UN Res 194 grants palestinian refugess the right to return to their land. By giving citizenship to palestinians, Lebanon would be violating UN resolutions. Someone should begin respecting UN resolutions, don't you think. Thank you for keeping polite dialogue on this site.

I learnt something that was considered pathological many years ago. It is an old psychitric defense mechanism called reaction formation. It goes something like this. For over 60 years the Arabs have tried to destroy the State of Israel and either kill all the Jews or in less extreme cases expell them to the lands their forefathers came from. Today that public statement would be viewed as naive at best and as terrorism at worst. So instead, the pathological reasoning that allows the individual to coexist with himself and with the external world is to turn it around and say "the Jews want to kill us all". If the 15 million Jews in the world want to kill over a billion Muslims, they must be the stupidest people in the World. Maybe they are tolerating Qassems and Katushas fired into Israel for years before responding.

Wouldn't it be a fine gesture if the Lebanese government granted citizenship to the Palestinians who have been living in Lebanon for many years. Show respect to the Palestinians, rather than keeping them as caged beggars, and pawns in the anti-Israel game. Perhaps some of the millions promised for rebuilding could go to this disenfranchised group - proper housing and jobs. Yes, it would go against Hezbollah plotting, but is your Lebanese government really too feeble to do anything independent of Hezbollah?

Well you should tell them why the amricans backed syrians and why they backed saddam ,go ahead tell them what they dont know ,tell them about the under the table geopolitics that no Haaretz , Time ,or Tishrin newzpaper write about. YOu can ask them why a dictator ship like ASSAD dictator ship isnt demolished yet ,don t they question that ...dont they question why 1 % alawit control the rest of the coutry with majority sunni .Isnt that terror but since its in their favor and serving the izraeli syrian front that is has never been active since syrian sold their srvice to american and jews ...

It's very easy for you guys to critisize the lebanese government (LG) for not disarming Hezbollah. As a lebanese who lived in this country and who understand the religion mosaic there, i can give you a brief view about the consequences that might erupt if the LG tries to disarm Hezbollah rihgt now: 1. A confrontation between Hezbollah and the lebanese army that 60% of its soldiers are Shiites. 2. Shiites fighting Shiites means destroying the Lebanese army and massing up the whole country. 3. Another Iraq style will be next door to Isael. 4. Instead of dealing with Hezbollah, they have to deal with the palestian terrorits who are now living in the camps, and who will find a way to get out when no army is monitoring their camps. 5. Having the large border with syria and without anyone watching that border, thousands of rockets will cross to lebanon or to the new terrorist heaven. I don't think Israel wants to deal with this kind of Lebanon.

I got a brand new box of Kleenex tissue paper, which I am very happy to donate to your Prime Minister. He will need it... He looks awful, is it make up, or tears?

I am ok with you ; Lebanese army should control the border. People on this blog should not criticize Lebanese Defense minister for taking important decisions. Hizb disarmement should not be done by force, but by dialogue; at least we should try until it ends either by a war, or by peacefully arrangement. US FM Ms Rice has said that the int'l community should let hizb disarm by himslef. For me, int'l community & Israel should not give further excuses so that Hizb keeps its weapons. Thanks for this 'only' civilised discussion !! I would hope that all messages on this site respect others, do not insult others and discuss in order to understand each others. We lack of mutual understanding.

The Lebanese Defense Minister was saying this: "Hezbollah promised not to fire any missiles from Lebanon and we believe them . If any missiles are fired from within Lebanon at Israel we will blame the Israelis. We will say the people who are firing missiles at Israel are not Hezbollah , they are really Israeli spies who are just stirring things up in order to give Israel an excuse to attack Lebanon again." His English was poor , I had to read it three times myself in order to understand what the creep really meant. " In a nutshell what he had to say was this: HEZBOLLAH SPEAKING TO ISRAEL : " HEADS I WIN ...TAILS YOU LOSE !!!" The story is always the same, only the faces change. I hope this helps you Eric.

Oh God , is so simple!The are afraid and try to find a nationalistic way to tell Hizbollah to disarm

It is tru that violent islam will never rule, It was born of the sword by a man who was a camel trader who prayed to Jerusalem and who went up to heaven at night (no israeli flares to help him see I guess). There will be no return of the caliphate and the sooner violent shia thugs learn this the better. Europe is now beginning to see fundamentalist violent islam as the cancer it is. radical muslims have been eating away at the febric of their democratci hosts and using their kindness to bring about terror and mayhem. Islam is not a religion of peace and never has been.

He usually cries when making his statements - as the Arab League applauds. Then he reevaluates his statements (remember - 1 killed instead of 40). How would he reevaluate this one ? Oh,. Here it is: "Any Lebanese that violates truce is a traitor, yese, yes, yes, a traitor - no less"..................EXCEPT HIZBULLAH!!!! Because when the refuse to disarm in violation of the Resoultion, that was all right. On the other hand, Israel, unfortunately deserves every bit of it - having pygmees (leadership wise) for leaders.

I don't believe you! You support only the presence of muslims and what kind of muslims. HEZBOLLAS the worst. In Sabra and Chatilah it was easy for lebanese maronite milice to kill palestinian women and children.Between " plague and cholera" you have chosen. In France, majority of people hav'nt really compassion for you but more for muslims families.You live with muslims close you, but you be aware them.

We are Iron like a Lion from Zion. Hizbollah may be good at guerilla war and attacking civilians that don't mean they can defend Lebanon. Syria is easier to fight as a regular army so bring it on dredd.

I was waching the TV programs about you guys, muslim radicals that is, ranting and foaming at the mouth recently.... The US is the only power of good on this earth that can still take you on, and as to Israel, leave it alone! it is only trying to have a life in an are frull of your sorts, not an easy task I might ad.

I understand what your saying, and i feel for lebenon, but disarming hez-b and arming the leb's army is the way to go. you can't have terrorists controlling parts of your country. i don't think the demand that leb step up and secure their borders so that hez doesn't fire into israel is unreasonable. is it. you want protection, get that fromyour army, not madmen who don't care about your country.

I agreed with you that the Lebanese Government should be given a chance to disarm the Hizbollah but the Lebanese government had already declare that they will not disarm Hizbollah. So what would happen next? Your guess is as good as mine!!!

Let me ask you,do you really,but really think that if Israel returns Shabaa farms,Hezbullah will disarm and will have no more reason to exist? It is not so simple. They only exist to fight against Israel and Shabaa farms are only a pretext.If not for Shabaa so they will find some other motives.

Just remember behind all the nonsense you guys are spouting, the Arabs lay down their arms no war, the Jews lay down their arms no Israel. Everyone knows that if the Arabs did not try to kill the Jews there would be peace. Think clearly for a moment, there are 500 million Arabs & Iranians and 5 million Jews, why would the Jews want war?

Mercer Human Resources Consulting named Bangui as the 214th worst city out of 215 in a 2003 survey. Brazzaville was the only city to be ranked lower than Bangui. It's funny that you are giving advice on the ME from your glorious city. Maybe if you put that little brain of yours to work on issues that are actually your busniess you might get that ranking up to 210...

I agree john !

I am sorry to tell you that we Christian are happy to live with Muslim because we finally understood that we are no different then them in the eyes of your develops nations and we are proud of our diversity. Let me insight your information we did fight Syrian and each intruder in our country it is so easy for you to sit behind your desk and talk. Why don?t you do some researches?

"Lebanese Defense Minister: Truce violators will be dealt with decisively" Sure! Start with Hezbollah witch refuses to disarm, with yourself witch refuse to stop weapons shipments for Hezbollah! How can the Israeli officials be so weak in explaining these facts to the world?

"let me first tell that assaulting people is not that civilised !!" You are right. So how come it's impossible for you do call and end to the 58 year old assault against Israel's existence. As a member State, Qatar officially supports the ARab LEague's State of War declared in '48. What you seem to be saying is that assaults by Muslims on Jews are ok, but Jews defending themselves isn'. Considering what the Koran, Hadiths and Sharia have to say about infidels and dhimmis, that's obvious. You're just unwilling to openly admit it.

1) The Lebanese Army hasn't been in South Lebanon for almost 40 years, while the PLO, Israel and Hizbullah controlled it in succession. 2) Hizbullah no longer holds most of its strongholds south of the Litani 3) The Lebanese Army has moved south for the first time in decades Explain how those facts make "hezbollah even stronger." While Israel's response definately didn't destroy H, that was never a possibility in the first place. It was Israel's military response, and only that, that has given Lebanon a chance to take control of its own nation. As for "With wars nothing will be resolved," if you truly believed that you'd be shouting for Lebanon and the Arab League to end their 58 year old State of War against Israel. That fact that you don't, but instead support terrorists means you do support war -- as long as it's against Jews.

In the declaration of Lebanon PM Mr. Siniora, there is an implicit recognition of the rightiousness of Israel intervention in the Bakaa incident. Is it not a culmination for the Israeli efforts to draW THE ATTENTION OF THE wORLD mEDIA ABOUT THE inequality of the support Nasssralah is getting from Syria and Iran?

Marcello, We all want peace. Iran is not an arab country, believe or not but this is not the point. We should not give Iran more importance than it needs. Look at Irak ..in few days the regime disppeared. Anyway, If Iran wanted to eliminate Israel from the ME map, it would have done it already .. It is just words just words ... by eliminating Israel, the whole ME region will disappear. We are not talking of conventional weapons but nuclear. Iran is only playing on that field. She wants nuclear for 'civil' usage ... ?? Unfortunately people like you and me need to talk and unserstand each others. Israel should as arabs, sit and talk . Even if they have done it earlier, things have changed ...new threats are here. We need to discuss not fight. We are all losersin this war ... when others are laughing.

he meant Israel, where was that tough talk when Israel was invading Lebanon, what a hypocrite.

Launching an unprovoked attack 60 miles deep inside Lebanon is not self-defence, it is an offensive operation aimed at undermining the ceasefire and to tell the world that civilised rules of behaviour do not apply to israel. was a katyusha fires at tel-aviv? no, so where's the self-defence angle?

They want to keep the cease fire/hostilities agreement mr smart guy, since if anyone fires on israel then the war would start again and more lebanese civilians will die. Till now 1,200 lebanese civilians have died and you, sitting in your comfortable house, are giving us your ignorant opinion? get a life and an education please.

Chris don't be shocked. I am from lebanese origins. I am not here for polemics. All I am saying is that Israel should not give excuses for hizbollah ahd other parties to exist. Of course God help us all in case Iran and Syria attack Israel. But I think if they wanted to, they would have done it when Israel was in war with hezbollah and the hamas. Golan is occupied since more than 20 years. Syria has no interest in attacking Israel, if not she would have done it earlier to 'liberate' Golan. I believe that there is a silent agreement between the 2 countries.. Chris, Lebanese want peace. Don't give hezbollah an excuse to exist. That is my message.

"Why should Israel bother about Lebanon anymore, it violates the soverignty of others." Israel left Lebanon in 2000. The withdrawl was certified by the UN. Hezbullah, this summer, fired missles into Israel as a distrction, crossed the border into Israel, and while in Israel killed 3 Israeli soldiers and kidnapped two more. 5 more Israeli soldiers were killed in the ensuing chase. That is the reason that Israel decided to "bother about Lebanon" this summer.

let me first tell that assaulting people is not that civilised !! then if you read well the article and not only the title you may with a bit of chance understand ! soory for you harretz do not provide cartoons with their article . Pas etonant de la prt d un belge ! les francais ont raison de faire des blagues finalement .

According Lebanese Defence Minister,Hezbollah can now freely fire rockets into Israel and will not be blamed for violating cease fire,but will blame it on Israel for doing it themselves,only in order to "provide a pretext" to strike Lebanon.Seems there is no limits in being ridiculous.

the lebanese army hasnt the power to protect the erea between israel and lebanon , and hizballah has more actif to move in the south erea of lebanon , about the nation force i think it will be without effects specialy when happens any ware .

The only way to disarm hezbollah is to give the lebanese Govmnt a chance to do so. With wars nothing will be resolved, IDF 30 days war made hezbollah even stronger and more popular among arabs supporter.

We understand that the only peopple that wildefend the JEWISH RACE is the JEWISH RACE. Lebs, Hisb's & UN can go visit the marters ! AM YISRAEL CHAIl

I think now Lebanese learn the lesson that they will be destroyed by Israel if Syria and Hezbulla was'nt in Lebanon. Lebanon must let Syrian Army to protect the country before it will be late.

Accepting this cease fire was another failed leadership judgement. Israel can now be said to never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Every judgement of olmert-peretz is wrong. Why wait for hexbullah to re-arm and cost more Israeli lives? Stop this charade about the lebanese govt stability. What difference does it make to Israel that lebanon is stable? Lebanon is an enemy and chaos in the enemy lands is good.

It's too bad the Lebanese governmentdidn't think of this before Hezbollah attacked Israel.

Israel wants peace but Arabs wants war.Iran president wants to kill israel. how can u make peace?

It is the fault of the UN. For years, mainly christians with 30% of the population and more than three times the population of Lebanon abroad tried to lobby in order to get the Syrians out of the territory. But the benediction of the united states crippled the Lebanese intentions. Without any international commitment, it is impossible to make a revolution. Once the international community agreed, we took the streets by millions last year and fired the syrians out. The US plugged Syria into Lebanon and waited 15 years before changing its mind. This created Hizbullah, this created other groups of palestinians that killed Lebanese for more than 15 years. It is your coverage that created the threat! exactly similar to when the Us helped Saddam or even Ben Laden against the soviet union at the time. The Us tries to create allies which turn against it, all at our expense, we Lebanese, you israelis. We are just a game, a territory used for supreme messages.

Given that France is well on the way to being over-run by Islamic peoples and given that France cannot win anything it doesn't surprise me that you write what you write. A country that once controlled these people and who is now controlled by them is one that shouldn't be telling others what to do. The US and Britain won your peace and the US will see Israel OK for France nor anyone else will do so. Peace only comes with a blood paid victory, total victory, never by appeasement. Had it not been for the dithering of Olmert the IDF could have attained all of Lebanon without the destruction and Israeli citizens would not need to complain as they have a right to now. But then Israel's to blame for everything, even existing. Sir, the shame is yours.

This is not really the opinion of a christian but more from a scotish presbyterian's.

Do you really, truly believe that "we" all want peace? do you believe "We" includes iran, syria, hez, I. Jihad, hamas, al queda? I don't think "we" all want peace, some of "we"want israel "wiped off the map" and the "Death to America."

dogs ... For God Sake Eric ... will you ever respect others ? Yes ..attack Israel from Lebanon is a gift for Israel who will find another excuse to turn Lebanon to a ghetto. Yes Yes and Yes. Never happy ... for once let's wait and see ...and the most important ? RESPECT.

what a shock for a french guy to criticize a country for defending themselves from attack. clearly your country has a different policy when attacked: surrender. who do the israelis need to negotiate with? hamas, hez-b, lebenon, iran, syria, al queda, palestianians, islamic jihad? who calls the shots over there? the answer: they'll all the same, just different names. negotiations failed. olmert failed, will be replaced, and sadly there will be more battles, the arabs are now emboldend by the israeli lackluster offensive. god help us all if iran/syria attack israel.

Dear Mr. X, First let me tell you that if the unbeatable(As they claim) IDF could not do a thing against Hezbollah after 30 days of using all their power. Do not be naiif like most americans, thinking it is that easy to remove hezbollah. Lebanese will need some times to negotiate the dismanteling of these arms and not by force. using force will produce more force. Be realistic....

yeah to bad isreal didnt level lebanon,and why they didnt,looking for victory now somewhere u and your chief of staff who was very worried about saving $5000selling his stocks ,a few men has defeated you so stop your arrogance and ask your goverment by the way how many un resolutions they threw in the garbage,pple like u bring hate to israel do u understand that

Rastaman, Don't you people ever learn? Next time Israel won't be restrained by UN lies and deception. Lebanon will only survive if it distances itself from Hezbullah which by definition either destroys Israel or is itself destroyed. If you are Islamic you can only dream of such things but I am Christian and I know that Israel will prevail. In reality Lebanon's enemy is not Israel but the system that is dragging it into war that she doesn't need nor I believe wants. Of course that does not include the crazy Shiites who seek world domination. A people made up of all the world's uneducated, easy led no-hopers who actually believe the nonsense fed upon them by horrible men who see no glory in dying for what they preach. What man in his right mind would leave a beautiful wife and family for an unproven promise made by a man who apparently enjoyed to the hilt everything this world's females could offer? The " Book " never mentions these but I suppose if you want to start a new belief....

Mr./Mrs. X, maybe you should watch XX movies instead of giving ridiculous thoughts. It s none of your business resolving Hezbollah case, it s a local matter which will be dealt by civilized negotations and not by force (like Israel did and she lost BIG TIME) If Hezbollah will be disarmed it will be done for Lebanon and not for Israel.

I get confused. When you attack Israel you will be treated as an allie of Israel. Is this Lebanese logic? And the army will be very tough. What army? Where have they been so far? This sounds like a teethless dog with Alzheimer. Or I must live in a different world or on another planet.

give hez-b more arms and weapons? that sounds like a good policy, for massive destruction and death. maybe we should also help iran design their A-bomb. More money for terrorists everywhere!!! then one day, we can all be one religion and live under one theocracy.

The first violation of the ceasefire was Lebanese govt. decision to allow Hizballah to have weapons in the south.

First, ask why hizbullah is here, who gave them weapons, and who helped iran develop its nuclear ...

Lebanon understood long time ago that hizbullah cannot be disarmed by force. USA understood that after this silly war.. and Ms Rize said that Hizbullah should be given time and be observed, so that they can lay down arms. In Israel too, ministers said that no army in the world could force this faction to disarm. At least ask your IDF to leave shebaa farms, and stop giving excuses to hizbullah to stay armed in front of Israel's occupation of theese farms (even if it is 1 km2 .. it is still an excuse for fighting occupation). Wake up guys ... we all want peace ... we all want peace.

I wonder how soon they will be sorry for getting in bet with the "resistance". In the first round it was only when directly shooting at IDF that they LAF got hit, now they are part and parcel of the "resistance"; IAF will have a field day adding light and sound to the intercourse/marriage celebration

For Gode sake stop criticising .. are you not happy with this ? than invade lebanon and turn it into a ghetto and burn all lives ... Else respect and respect and respect alternatives Ok ??? When will you grow up and understand that peace is made between two states ?? When will you grow up and understand that the only way to make peace is also to take courageous acts and accept 1/ defeat 2/ other's decisions ... What a pitty ...what a pitty Shame on you .. Shame on Israel to have some people like you who did not understand anything to peace and love and live in harmony.

Lebanon, a country who accept Syria during few years on his field,without reaction?Where was the lebanon army? Lebanon accept also hezbollah,religious sect, with protection of Iran, without reaction? no Lebanon army no Lebanon reactions? In fact, Lebanon is a muslims majority (70%)christians who are more in foreign countries to grow up their benefits,and a small group of socialist druzes. And now, august 2006, with benediction of UN,Lebanon find again courage,power,authority.Its very well,Lebanon,be good and you will always be happy.

But I am not impressed.

whatever. lebanon will, in the end, roll over like a submissive puppy to whatever hizbullah does. nasrallah could parade into beirut and proclaim himself the 12th imam of lebanon and sinoria, jumbalat, hariri, beri, etc would call him "our savior" and wish him a long life because they are more concerned about their own skin and will sell their souls so they will not lose their position. long live lebanon and the cedar revolution! ha!

Why should Israel bother about Lebanon anymore, it violates the soverignty of others. Can it do the same to Syrian saying they are amassing weapons from Iran? It is very silly and arrogance on Israel's part to intrude into others lives. They are supported by the playboy Bush, who heaps up billions of dollars on them to do what they like. Pathetic world situation and these are the one who form security council. UN should be an independent body not one that is controlled by whims and fancies of rogue states, who are trigger happy playboys.

When you are in central africe..you have no idea what;s happening in Lebanon..your prposal is what was standing before july 12.. We will not go to status quo ante bellum.. This will lead us into a civil war... I know you don't care...so save me the comments..

Everyone is an expert on the lebanese army and defense strategies now, why don't you invest your brilliant ideas to sort out your own country first

The Lebanese Defense Minister can eat his own words. He has not controlled Hizbollah since it was created. Did Lebanon do anything regarding resolution 1559 by disarming Hizbollah? Simple answer, NO. The only one breaking the cease fire now is Lebanon by refusing to disarm Hizbollah today. I guess Lebanese Defense Minister, you are the true violator and someone should deal with you in the most severest way. To bad Israel didn't level all of the Lebanon.

The PM has already announced he will not enforce the resolution, so how does one of his minions speaking change anything? I'll believe it when Elias al-Murr attacks the government for violating 1701 by not disarming H or embargoing arms going to the South. Those are clear cease-fire violations.

The best way for Lebanon to face Israel is to not disarm Hizbulla but to give them all the right and power to decide when and how to deal with Israel, a kind of defence autonomy in the southern Lebanon.