The situation in Israel only got worse. Not only the Gaza incursion still has not produced the desired effect (that is, the release of Cpl Shalit), but now two other Israeli soldiers were captured by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah had been relatively quiet for the past few years since Israel left Lebanon, and especially after the assassination of Rafik Harari last year. This new move comes at a crucial time of tension between Israel and the Palestinians, and the consequences are and will be manifold.
First, this assault is an undeniable show of support for Hamas and Palestinians militants in general. After all, Hamas always considered Hezbollah a role model. Second, this is an obvious attempt to further destabilize the Israeli government and the area as a whole.
Third, one must not forget that Hezbollah is officially represented in the Lebanese parliament (with one minister) - which means the Lebanese government is held directly responsible and such terrorist actions might very well be considered acts of war against the Israeli state.
Fourth, Hezbollah and Syria are "pals"; their relationship was especially clear when Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah organized a massive demonstration in support of the Syrian government following the murder of Rafik Harari and the subsequent popular demonstrations against the 30-year-old Syrian meddling in Lebanese affairs. This relationship means, ultimately, that the Israeli government (and the American government too) holds Syria accountable in no small part for the situation now developing in Lebanon. The Syrians know it: they are convening with other Arab leaders right now in order to prepare for a possible Israeli invasion of Syria.
Fifth, Hezbollah has Iranian backing. As a matter of fact, Hezbollah was founded with Iran aid with the specific aim to fight Israel. Need I say more?
I understand that Hezbollah might find some comfort in the knowledge that back in 2004, the Israeli government did release some 400 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners in exchange for a kidnapped Israeli businessman (and reserve colonel) and the remains of three Israeli soldiers. But, that was in 2004, and it took three years to accomplish.
This latest incident accentuates political and social divisiveness, a constant in Lebanon. The Lebanese government has been under international pressure to counter Hezbollah (and therefore Syrian) influence in the south, but so far it has been unable to do so. Given the situation, though, Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora's declaration that he knew nothing of the operation and his ensuing refusal to take responsibility for and/or endorse the soldiers' capture comes as no surprise at all.
Most interesting is the reaction in of the Lebanese people: singing and dancing to celebrate the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers. One young Lebanese man (21 years old) said he was overjoyed. And again I find myself unable to believe my eyes as I read about candy giveaways in Beirut, street carnival etc. What is there to celebrate? How can people rejoice in all this? I think we are talking about two different planets here; maybe even two different universes.
2 comments:
YOU PEOPLE HAVE TO UNDRESTAND,THAT DENIAL IS SICK MENTAL PROBLEM,WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TOINVADE OTHER PEOPLE COUNTRY,WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO CHANGE IT NAME,WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO MAKE A WHOLE NATION AS ALIENS,WHO ON EARTH ARE YOU LAUGHING AT,CALLING HIZBULLAH FREEDOM FIGHTER TERRORIST,WHEN,YOUR MANACHEM BAGIN WAS THE BIGGEST TERRORIST IN HISTORY,STOP INSULTING PEOPLES INTELIGENCE,LOOK AT THE FALSE ISRAEL KILLER OF BABIES,THEN DECIDE WHO IS THE TERRORIST,I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF HIZBULLAH KILLING ISRAELI BABIES,IF YOU HAVE PROOF,PLACE IT HERE IN YOUR SITE.
OPPPS I FORGOT YOU ARE THE CHOSEN CHILDREN OF GOD,AND THE REST OF HUMANITY ARE MERE GENTILES,NOT EVEN A SINGLE PROPHET SURVIVED PEACFULLY WITHIN YOUR FOLDS,EVEN MOSES WAS DISTRUSTED BY YOU,AND JESUS CRUCIFIED BY YOU.AND THESE WERE PROPHETS OF GOD,SO ONE SHOULD NOT EXPECT YOU TO TREAT NORMAL HUMANS WITH MERCY AND LOVE.
Uh oh - another lovely visitor. Sorry but - who are you? And also, you seem a little crazed. I will not waste my time with you. Unless you come back and introduce yourself in a pleasant manner. that is - stop writing in caps as if you were yelling or something; introduce yourself; and for your own sake, please spell check...
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