[Ynet News] Giora Eiland - In my estimate, if Israel faces another war in Lebanon, its results would be similar to those of the previous war. It is impossible to defeat an effective guerilla group when it operates from the territory of another country; it enjoys the full backing and support of that country; and that country is immune to an Israeli response. The real reality in Lebanon is that the Lebanese government (and people) allowed Hizbullah to be the ruler along the border with Israel. In order to prevent Israel from effectively fighting Hizbullah, the Lebanese placed puppets in seemingly important posts who safeguard Lebanon's interests (which are so important to the West). Therefore, Israel is not allowed to target the Lebanese state. It is only allowed to fight Hizbullah. The only way to prevent another war is to make it clear that should one break out, Lebanon may be razed to the ground. Hizbullah will be deterred if it realizes that aggression on its part would result in destruction that would outrage the Lebanese population and turn it against Hizbullah. Israel must first and foremost make this truth clear to its allies, that Israel cannot defeat Hizbullah as long as it is being supported by the Lebanese state. Therefore, if there is again aggression on the part of Lebanon, Israel would have no choice but to fight against the state that is encouraging aggression in practice. Those who had any doubt about the position of the Lebanese state should be reminded of the warm reception for murderer Samir Kuntar on the part of the Lebanese president and government ministers. Maj.-Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland is the former head of Israel's National Security Council.
2008-07-25 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive