Israeli-Arab War

[Jag]

http://www.infolive.tv/index.php?chgLang=40

Jag

[American Patriot]

Israeli UN Ambassador's Letter to UN Secy.-Gen. Annan (War)

Israeli UN Ambassador Dan Gillerman's 12.7.06 Letter to UN Secy.-Gen. Kofi Annan [Israel Foreign Ministry] H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan Secretary-General United Nations

? 12 July 2006

Excellency,

It is with a great sense of urgency and grave concern that I write to you this letter of strong protest about the grave events occurring today on Israel's northern border with Lebanon. This morning, Hizbullah terrorists unleashed a barrage of heavy artillery and rockets into Israel, causing a number of deaths. In the midst of this horrific and unprovoked act, the terrorists infiltrated Israel and kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, taking them into Lebanon.

Responsibility for this belligerent act of war lies with the government of Lebanon, from whose territory these acts have been launched into Israel. Responsibility also lies with the governments of Iran and Syria, who support and embrace those who carried out this attack.

These acts pose a grave threat not just to Israel's northern border, but also to the region and the entire world. The ineptitude and inaction of the government of Lebanon has led to a situation in which it has not exercised jurisdiction over its own territory for many years. The Security Council has addressed this situation time and time again in its debates and resolutions. Let me remind you also that Israel has repeatedly warned the international community about this dangerous and potentially volatile situation. In this vacuum festers the Axis of Terror: Hizbullah and the terrorist states of Iran and Syria, which have today opened another chapter in their war of terror.

Today's act is a clear Declaration of War, and is in blatant violation of the "Blue Line," United Nations Security Council resolutions 425, 1559, 1680, and all other relevant resolutions of the United Nations since Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in May 2000.

Israel thus reserves the right to act in accordance with United Nations Charter Article 51, and exercise its right of self-defence when an armed attack is launched against a member of the United Nations. The State of Israel will take the appropriate actions to secure the release of the kidnapped soldiers and bring an end to the shelling that terrorizes our citizens. I would be grateful if you would arrange to have the text of this letter circulated as an official document of the sixtieth session of the General Assembly, under agenda items 108, "Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism," and 14, "The Situation in the Middle East." An identical letter has been submitted to H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc de La Sablière, President of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours truly, Ambassador Dan Gillerman Permanent Representative of Israel

Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 Ph: (212) 499-5510 Fax: (212) 499-5516 israel-un@newyork.mfa.gov.il

[American Patriot]

The Confrontation with Hizbullah
IMRA ^ | 7-13-06
The Confrontation with Hizbullah

[IMRA: This article was distributed after Israel warned that it would bomb southern Beirut, where Hizbullah's leadership lives and Hizbullah countered by warning that they would respond by bombing Haifa. It remains to be seen if Israel will blink.] Tel Aviv Notes No. 177 July 13, 2006

The Confrontation with Hizbullah

Shlomo Brom Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies

The Hizbullah operation that resulted in the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers and the death of eight others has ignited a major confrontation between that organization and Israel. Unlike previous clashes in recent years, in which it could be expected that the clash would be short-lived because of the interest of both sides preventing escalation and returning to acceptable rules of the game, the provocation and its consequences are too great this time to allow Israel to return to the status quo ante. That would signal to Hizbullah and other factors operating against Israel that they can carry out ever-greater provocations without incurring a major response.

This operation was not a bolt from the blue. Hizbullah has repeatedly broadcast its intention to kidnap Israeli soldiers in order to secure the freedom of Lebanese prisoners remaining in Israeli hands even after the so-called "Tenenbaum deal," and it tried and failed several times before the its recent success. It is also likely that the timing of this operation was tied to developments in the Gaza Strip. After all, Hizbullah is fully aware of the need for domestic Lebanese and Arab legitimacy for its operations and it senses that when Israel is battling Palestinians and the Arab and international television screens are full of images of Israel striking at Palestinians, it can more easily justify its own actions. That may explain why its first operation following Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon in the spring of 2000, in which it carried off the bodies of two Israeli soldiers, was mounted shortly after the outbreak of the second intifada.

But this latest attack is a blatant violation of the rules established after that action in late 2000. According to these rules, Hizbullah acts only against military forces and only in the Mount Dov (Shab'a Farms) sector, and Israel responds in kind. This time, the operation took place in the western sector of the border and included the shelling of Israeli civilian settlements. Hizbullah might have refrained from launching this operation if Israel had reacted more vigorously to previous Hizbullah attempts to breach the rules, which are based on mutual deterrence. Both sides have the capacity to inflict serious damage on the other's civilian population, and Hizbullah is fully aware that since the Israeli withdrawal, it has no domestic support for actions that can escalate and lead to serious damage in Lebanon, thereby setting back the lengthy reconstruction process in that country.

Many of the international constraints on Israeli reactions have diminished since the withdrawal. In responding to this latest attack, Israel has apparently set for itself several objectives. The first is to exact a high price, both directly - by inflicting casualties on Hizbullah - and politically - by striking at Lebanese targets such as electricity plants and Beirut Airport and by cutting off the south from the rest of the country in order to undermine Hizbullah's political standing. The assumption behind those strikes is that internal pressure on Hizbullah will force it to restrain itself and ultimately disarm. All this is meant to rehabilitate Israeli deterrence in Lebanon.

The second aim is to prompt international pressure on Hizbullah's Syrian and Iranian patrons so that those countries, too, will also act to restrain Hizbullah, on the assumption that the international community wants to avoid another implosion in Lebanon. The third is to inflict a serious blow on Hizbullah's ability to hit civilian targets in Israel. It may be true that here, as in Gaza, Israel cannot completely eliminate the threat of rocket fire, but since 2000, there has been a marked improvement in the IDF's capacity to locate launch teams, which once enjoyed virtual immunity because of their low signature, and there is a reasonable prospect that those teams will now be much more vulnerable, like their Palestinian counterparts in Gaza.

It is unclear whether Israel's current response will actually produce the desired effects and it may be compelled to escalate even further, particularly since Hizbullah also has the means for more destructive action, to which it has not yet resorted. For example, the organization possesses long-range rockets supplied by Iran and Syria with which, according to Israeli intelligence, it can hit cities inside Israel as far south as Hadera. Their range covers sensitive targets such as the city of Haifa and the industrial zone in Haifa Bay. If Hizbullah decides to react to attacks on Beirut with these weapons, a much greater escalation can be expected.

Israel would then have several options available. It could intensify its strikes on Beirut and other Lebanese cities, but in that case Israel would have to walk a fine line between achieving effects and causing damage so widespread that the international reaction would minimize the chances of accomplishing its aims. Israel could also expand the fighting to Syria, which serves as Hizbullah's main source of weapons, both from Syria and from Iran. Thus far, Syria has paid no price for its policies but its military weakness makes it very vulnerable to Israeli air strikes. Finally, Israel could target Iran's interests and presence in Lebanon.

Moreover, Israel might well initiate ground operations in south Lebanon and perhaps other areas, as well. Such operations would be a low-priority choice because Israel has no desire to get sucked back into the Lebanese quagmire and understands the implications of a prolonged physical presence there. But they could take the form of time-bound incursions, like those mounted in Gaza, intended to draw out Hizbullah forces and inflict casualties on them.

In any event, the confrontation this time is likely to be protracted and involve substantial costs for Israel because of Hizbullah capabilities, which far outstrip those of the Palestinians. The costs could include significant casualties and the disruption of normal life in a broad swath of Israeli territory, which would put the public's resilience to the test. The duration of the confrontation will also be function of the ambitiousness of Israeli goals. If Israel aims at completely disarming Hizbullah by itself, the goal could well prove elusive, and Israel may have to content itself with implementing new rules, such as moving Hizbullah further away from the border, and hoping that the current confrontation will stimulate domestic political processes in Lebanon that could eventually, albeit indirectly, accomplish the more far-reaching objective.

__________________________________________________ _________________ Tel Aviv Notes is published by TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY The Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies www.tau.ac.il/jcss/ & The Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies http://www.dayan.org/ through the generosity of Sari and Israel Roizman, Philadelphia

[American Patriot]

Extremist group: We kidnapped 2 Palestinians
Ynetnews.com ^ | 7-13-06 | Ali Waked

‘Gilad Shalhevet Brigades’ organization claims it kidnapped two Palestinians, residents of the Jerusalem area. Group says hostages will be released only in exchange for Israeli soldiers abducted in Gaza, Lebanon

An extremist organization called the “Gilad Shalhevet Brigades” claimed it kidnapped two Palestinians, residents of the Jerusalem area. In a statement issued by the groups it was said that the hostages will be released only in exchange for the Israeli soldiers abducted in Gaza and Lebanon.

Jerusalem District Police said they are looking into the group’s claim.

Thursday afternoon the Ynet news desk received a statement reading: “For your information, a few minutes ago we kidnapped two Palestinian workers in the Jerusalem area. The two are being held in a hidden location and we will conduct negotiation for their release through the media.

“We demand the immediate release of the kidnapped (Israeli) soldiers; if they will not be released within the next 48 hours, the lives of the Palestinians will be in danger.”

The announcement has not been confirmed as of yet.

The “Shalhevet Gilad Brigades” is an extremist organization that has claimed responsibility for past shooting attacks in which Palestinians were murdered in the territories, but until now no proof has surfaced linking the group to the actual incidents, and no arrests have been made.

[American Patriot]

US Defends IDF Actions, Europe and Russia Criticize
Israel National News ^ | July 13, 2006 | Arutz Sheva

US Defends IDF Actions, Europe and Russia Criticize
Thursday, July 13, 2006 / 17 Tammuz 5766

European countries and Russia denounced Israel’s retaliation in Lebanon as disproportionate Thursday. The US, meanwhile, is defending Israel’s right to combat terrorism.


The European Union, Russia, France and Italy all had criticism of the extent of Israel’s operations.

France’s foreign minister came out clearly against Israel’s actions. “The Israeli invasion is a disproportional act of war with negative consequences," Philippe Douste-Blazy told France's Europe-1 radio. "The unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be preserved," he added.

Spain condemned the kidnappings while calling on Israel to show restraint. The kidnapping and Israeli response "opens a flank of instability, which adds to the deteriorating Israeli-Palestinian peace process," a statement by the Spanish foreign ministry said.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry called on Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty. "The continued destruction of civilian infrastructure in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories and the disproportionate use of force by Israel, which causes suffering to the civilian population, can be neither understood nor justified. Equally unacceptable are any manifestations of terrorism and the taking of hostages, who must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

The European Union's spokesmen said that the body “recognized Israel's right to defend itself" and promised a more detailed assessment would be delivered in the coming days, but added, "We are very concerned by the actions on both sides. We have called on both sides to show as much restraint as possible."

US President George W. Bush, who is traveling in Germany for talks, defended the Jewish State. "Israel has the right to defend herself," Bush said. "My attitude is this: there are a group of terrorists who want to stop the advance of peace. Those of us who are peace-loving must work together to help the agents of peace."

Bush added that “whatever Israel does, though, should not weaken the Siniora government in Lebanon," referring to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Meanwhile, a rally to show identification with Israel's actions was set for 5 PM Thursday at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum Building in Los Angeles. Other rallies across the US are reportedly in the works.

[American Patriot]

U.S. vetoes U.N. condemnation of Israel
AP on Yahoo ^ | 7/13/06 | AP

UNITED NATIONS - The United States cast the first U.N. Security Council veto in nearly two years Thursday, blocking an Arab-backed resolution that would have demanded Israel halt its military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The draft, sponsored by Qatar, accused Israel of a "disproportionate use of force" that endangered Palestinian civilians, and it demanded Israel withdraw its troops from Gaza.

[American Patriot]

Fox just reported....

A missile that was fired into Israel was fired by IRANIAN Revolutionary Guards from Lebanon.

Israel is AT war folks, and IRAN not only is implicated now, Israel is stating it was IRAN.

Wow...


Wow.

[Jag]

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=107294

IAF Targets Hizbullah Deep in Beirut 05:48 Jul 14, '06 / 18 Tammuz 5766 by Yechiel Spira

The Israel Air Force during the night struck Hizbullah targets deep in Beirut, including the Beirut-Damascus Highway.

The highway has significance to the terror organization, serving as a primary route for the weapons supply train, bringing weapons and ammunition from Iran that is delivered to Hizbullah via Syria. The air force also struck other Hizbullah targets, including Hizbullah offices in the Lebanese capital, deep in the Lebanon Valley near the Syrian border, major roadways and other strategic locations.

Following the firing of two surface-to-surface rockets into Haifa at approximately 8:00pm Thursday night, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened his Security Cabinet and a decision was made to ‘take off the gloves’ in the ongoing war against Hizbullah.

Israel rejected statements of denial released by Hizbullah following the attack, with Jerusalem placing the blame for the rocket attack in the port city on Hizbullah. Government officials released statements that it holds Hizbullah and the Government of Lebanon responsible for ongoing anti-Israel terror, which is based in Lebanon and supported and funded by Syria and Iran.

Emerging from the high-level security briefing on Thursday night, Defense Minister Amir Peretz stated Israel will crush Hizbullah, vowing to bring the terror organization to its knees. Earlier in the day, Peretz stated new realities will exist, explaining Israel will no longer tolerate a Hizbullah presence along its northern border to southern Lebanon.


Jag

[American Patriot]

Syrian Ambassador: Israel's Nuclear Installations Could Be Targeted
NewsMax ^ | 7/14/06

"We are not mercenaries, we will not be drawn into this war."

- Syria's new U.N. ambassador, Dr. Jafar Ja'afari, in an interview in New York.

After being booted by the Lebanese, Washington, and the U.N. Security Council last year, Syria's ambassador made it perfectly clear that Damascus has no intention of returning to Beirut.

"We cannot go in, then go out and come in like mercenaries, it will not happen. But, we wish the Lebanese well," added Ja'afari.

Syria is still seething over its alleged involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Harriri, who died in an attack on his motorcade in Beirut in December 2004.

Damascus insists it had no part in the attack on the Lebanese official, despite accusations made by several investigators from the U.N. security council to the contrary.<

The Council followed the investigation by renewing a previous demand for Syria to vacate Lebanon (resolution 1559).

The Harriri assassination prompted an end to a Syrian occupation of their embattled neighbor, which lasted almost 20 years.

Syria's delegate explained that the root of the current crisis stems from the fact the new government in Lebanon has no real army to speak of.

"They have no army. It is small, it has little control and everyone knows this."

While the diplomat made no excuses for the Hezbollah attacks on Israeli soldiers, he wondered whether it warranted such a strong response by Jerusalem.

He also insisted that Israel's "nuclear centers" could eventually be targeted by Hezbollah.

"Nobody wants to talk about [Hezbollah] attacks on those nuclear centers do they? They could have radiation fallout all over the region."

It is unclear what nuclear facilities the Syrian was referring to.

Israel's main nuclear installation is outside the city of Dimona in the Negev desert. The facility, several hundred miles south of the Lebanese border, is well defended from potential attacks.

The Syrian insisted that his government knows of "seven such nuclear centers all over the country." He refused to provide any additional details.

The ambassador also did not hesitate to remind reporters that when Damascus was in Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks on Israeli settlements were few in number, thanks to the Syrian army.

The diplomat also pointed out that Hezbollah could not operate with such impunity within his country, because the Syrian military "would never permit it."

Ja'afari insisted that Washington was well aware of the impotence of the current Lebanese government, and as such, bears some of the responsibility for the current escalation of tensions.

"Why do they give Israel such permission [to use military force]? The U.S. is the only superpower. They should use their power to decrease, not increase such tensions."

Ja'afari reluctantly admitted there is little organizations such as the U.N. Security Council can do and that the current crisis will likely play itself out according to timetables coordinated between Jerusalem and Washington.

"What can the U.N. do? The United States will use its veto? Its foolish but they will use it."

[American Patriot]

Iran warns Israel not to attack Syria
Ynet News ^ | 00:52 , 07.14.06 | Reuters

Ahmadinejad says strike on Syria would be considered attack on the whole Islamic world that would bring ‘fierce response’; Rice urges Israel to exercise restraint, Saudis blame Hizbullah for escalation Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Syria would be considered an attack on the whole Islamic world that would bring a “Fierce response”, State television reported. “If the Zionist regime commits another stupid move and attacks Syria, this will be considered like attacking the whole Islamic world and this regime will receive a very fierce response,” Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in a telephone conversation with Syrian President Bashar Assad. The president made the comments after Israel struck Beirut airport and military airbases and blockaded Lebanese ports in reprisals that have killed 55 civilians in Lebanon since Hizbullah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers a day earlier. “He (Ahmadinejad) also said it was a must for the Organization of the Islamic Conference to become more active regarding the new crisis created by the Zionist regime,” State television reported. Iran’s Islamic government has never recognized Israel and routinely refers to the Jewish state as the “Zionist regime”. Iran has close ties with Syria, and with Hizbullah. 'Syria needs to act responsibly' US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged Israel on Thursday to exercise restraint in its attacks against Lebanese targets and demanded Syria press Hizbullah guerrillas to stop attacking Israel. “It is extremely important that Israel exercise restraint in its acts of self defense,” She told reporters traveling with US President George W. Bush in Germany. She said the message was being sent through numerous diplomatic channels and added: “I think they understand the need to exercise restraint.” she said Syria has been “Sheltering the people who have been perpetrating these acts” Against Israel...

(Excerpt) Read more at worthynews.com ...

[American Patriot]

Witnesses: People flood into Gaza from Egypt after border wall blasted.
MSNBC.COM ^ | 7/14/2006 | MSNBC

Witnesses: People flood into Gaza from Egypt after border wall blasted.
Gunmen blow hole in Egypt-Gaza border wall
Dozens of people enter into Strip; meantime, Israel scales back presence

BREAKING NEWS
MSNBC News Services
Updated: 31 minutes ago

GAZA, Israel - Masked gunmen blew a 20-foot hole in the border wall between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Friday, allowing dozens of stranded Palestinians to enter Gaza, witnesses said.

People carrying suitcases crossed into Gaza through the hole. Some walked through on crutches, others ran and walked.

The border has largely been closed since June 25 when Palestinian militants carried out a cross-border raid on a military outpost, killing two Israeli soldiers and capturing one. Hundreds of people have been stranded on the Egyptian side of the border, unable to get to their homes in Gaza.

[American Patriot]

This is called "REINFORCEMENTS" folks. In case anyone hasn't gotten it, the wall was blasted so BAD GUYS can get into Gaza to hit Israel from INSIDE.

[American Patriot]

Bush will not tell Israel to halt offensive: W.House
Reuters ^ | 7-14-06 | Staff

President Bush wants Israel to minimize the risk of casualties in its campaign in southern Lebanon, but will not press it to halt its military operation, the White House said on Friday.

White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters that the U.S. leader spoke by telephone to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and other Middle East leaders as he sought to defuse a crisis between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

Snow said Bush "believes the Israelis have the right to protect themselves and that in doing that they should limit as much as possible so-called collateral damage not only to facilities but also to human lives," Snow said.

Asked whether he agreed to Siniora's request to tell the Israelis to limit their military operations, Snow said: "No. The president is not going to make military decisions for Israel."

A senior administration official said Bush also called Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah as he flew from Germany to Russia, where he was attending a Group of Eight summit.

Israel struck Beirut airport again on Friday and bombed Lebanese roads, power supplies and communication networks in a widening campaign after Hizbollah guerrillas seized two Israeli soldiers and killed eight.

In Beirut, Siniora's office said in a statement that Bush had assured the Lebanese leader he was pressing Israel to "contain the damage" to Lebanon and avoid civilian casualties.

Siniora urged Bush to get Israel to halt its attack, agree to a ceasefire and lift a blockade.

On Thursday, Bush said Israel had a right to defend itself from Hizbollah rocket attacks and the abduction of Israeli soldiers.

Snow said that Siniora had suggested a ceasefire.

But the White House spokesman added: "It is unlikely that either or both parties are going to agree to that at this juncture although we certainly hope that we get to a ceasefire soon and we hope that all work for it."

The new Middle East crisis will push itsefl onto the agenda of the weekend G8 summit that groups the leaders of the United States, Russia, Japan, Britain, France, Italy and Germany.

"We assume that all sides in conflict should immediately end their military action. That should be the starting point for resolving all other problems," Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, speaking to an international group of teenagers.

[American Patriot]

Fox repoting according to israeli sources the 3 explosions just now in Beirut Nasrallah, head of Hezzbulah was in one of the buildings....

[American Patriot]

Syrians shoot at Israel
WND ^ | 7-14-06 | Aaron Klein

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM WND'S JERUSALEM BUREAU Report: Syrians shoot at Israel Lebanese sources predict provocation from Damascus

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted: July 14, 2006 1:35 p.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein © 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

AL-ZAURA REGION, Golan Heights – While Israeli military sources in the Golan Heights are reporting Syrian military gunfire directed inside the Jewish state, Lebanese political sources are telling WND they expect a provocation of some kind from Damascus.

Israeli Defense Forces are attempting to determine the exact source of the gunfire. If the source cannot be determined, sources say, Israel may choose to ignore or officially deny it occurred in an effort to avoid widening what is rapidly becoming a regional conflict.

Meanwhile, Lebanese sources predict a small, limited provocation against Israel – perhaps a small skirmish or the use of Palestinian groups on the Syrian side of the border firing mortars under the direction of the Syrian army. It would not be a major attack, the sources say, just a minor provocation in conjunction with Iran to show Syria is in solidarity with Hezbollah and the Palestinians, who launched the original attacks against Israel on two fronts – Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Yesterday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said an Israeli strike on Syria would be considered an attack on the whole Islamic world that would bring a "fierce response."

"If the Zionist regime commits another stupid move and attacks Syria, this will be considered like attacking the whole Islamic world and this regime will receive a very fierce response," Ahmadinejad was quoted by Iranian state television as saying in a telephone conversation with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Israel has blamed Syria and Iran for the Hezbollah rocket attacks on towns and cities in northern Israel. In recent weeks, Israel has buzzed the palace of Assad with fighter-bombers as a warning against hostile actions.

Ahmadinejad has called repeatedly for the destruction of Israel – or for moving the Jewish state to Europe. Iran is believed to be developing a nuclear weapons program and has long-range missiles capable of striking the Jewish state.

Hezbollah rockets yesterday rained down on northern Israeli towns as the Jewish state's warplanes carried out strategic strikes against the Hezbollah's infrastructure and the Beirut International Airport. A total air and sea closure was imposed over Lebanon.

Hezbollah threatened to use longer range rockets against the major northern port city of Haifa, in which case military officials tell WND Israel would likely launch a major ground invasion inside Lebanon.

The fighting was instigated by a well-orchestrated Hezbollah attack against Israel's northern border yesterday in which two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and three others were killed.

[American Patriot]

Iran's Ahmadinejad warns UN not to become part of 'Israel's crimes'
Deutsche Presse-Agentur ^ | Jul 14, 2006 | n/a

Tehran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday warned the United Nations not to become part of 'Israeli crimes' in Lebanon, ISNA news agency reported.

'The UN and the Security Council and the United States should explain their silence towards the Zionist regime's crimes, otherwise they would be held responsible for being part of these crimes,' ISNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in a speech in Osku in north-western Iran.

'The developments in the Middle East have become a venue for testing the Western claims of democracy and human rights, but the West has badly failed the test,' the president said.

Ahmadinejad once again called on the West to stop supporting Israel 'in order to avoid the fury of the (Muslim) nations and being tried in the same court as the Zionist regime.'

While reiterating his doubts about the Holocaust, the Iranian president blamed the West for having turned the Middle East into a crisis sport due to its support for Israel.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.monstersandcritics.com ...

[American Patriot]

HEZBOLLAH CHIEF DECLARES 'OPEN WAR' WITH ISRAEL IN AUDIO TAPE
Fox News ^ | July 13, 2006 | Staff

"In an audiotape aired on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television less than an hour after the Beirut attack on his house, Nasrallah addressed himself to Israelis, saying: "You wanted an open war and we are ready for an open war."

(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...

[American Patriot]

UN is calling on Syria and Iran to cease helping Hezzbullah, the Ambassador... oh, what's his mustache. I for get his name. Bolton I think.

[American Patriot]

Bush rejects Lebanese cease-fire call
The Jerusalem Post ^ | July 14, 2006 | Associate Press via The Jerusalem Post

US President George W. Bush rejected Lebanon's calls for a cease-fire in escalating Mideast violence on Friday, saying only that Israel should try to limit civilian casualties as it steps up attacks on its neighbor.

"The president is not going to make military decisions for Israel," White House spokesman Tony Snow said.

Lebanon's prime minister asked Bush during a phone call Friday to pressure Israel for a cease-fire. But Bush, speaking to Prime Minister Fuad Saniora while flying from Germany to Russia, said Israelis have a right to protect themselves.

"We think it's important that, in doing that, they try to limit as much as possible the so-called collateral damage, not only on civilians but also on human lives," Snow said.

Saniora's office issued a statement saying Bush "affirmed his readiness to put pressure on Israel to limit the damage to Lebanon as a result of the current military action, and to spare civilians and innocent people from harm."

Snow said that wasn't so. Bush merely "reiterated his position" that Israel should limit the impact on civilians, he said.

"It is unlikely that either or both parties are going to agree to" a cease-fire at this point, Snow said.

Bush's conversation with Saniora was part of a round of telephone diplomacy aimed at quelling the flare-up in violence. The president also spoke with allies Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II and thanked them for helping to try to ease the violence in their neighborhood, Snow said.

Bush was pleased that a number of major Muslim nations such as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia "do not look on Hizbullah as being a legitimate government entity," Snow said.

Hizbullah is an Iranian-backed Shi'ite terror organization that has a free hand in southern Lebanon and holds seats in parliament. The Lebanese government has no control over Hizbullah but has long resisted international pressure to forcibly disarm the group for fears of igniting sectarian conflict.

Bush has not spoken with Israeli leaders, but US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Snow said. Snow did not provide details of the conversation.

Snow said it seemed inevitable that the G-8 members would issue some kind of a statement on the Mideast situation, but it was unclear what it would say. Rice said a three-person team sent by the United Nations to the region should get a chance to try to defuse the crisis.

Several drafts concerning violence in the Middle East were already on the table. "With the pace of events, they're going to have to redraft them," Snow said.

"It is important that everybody talk with one voice," Snow said.

In St. Petersburg, Bush's first stop was a monument honoring those who defended Leningrad - the Soviet name for the city - during the 900-day World War II siege. More than half a million people died, most of hunger. Bush and his wife paused there for a long moment of silence.

In what amounted to a gentle statement about democratic backsliding under Putin's leadership, Bush went from there to sit down with 17 representatives from civil society groups whom he called "young, vibrant Russian activists who loved their country" but who also are concerned about human conditions there. Bush said he would convey some of their worries directly to Putin.

"I assured them the United States of America cares about the form of government in Russia," Bush told reporters afterward. "I hope I was encouraging for them. It was instructive to me."

Bush spent part of the afternoon on a bike ride in a wooded area near the site of the summit, the opulent 18th century Konstantin Palace, where the Bushes and Putins were to have dinner later Monday.

[American Patriot]

War of destruction: Friday afternoon
The Daily Star (Lebanon) ^ | July 14, 2006 | Staff of The Daily Star

BEIRUT: Israel destroyed the home and office of Hezbollah's leader Friday and tightened its seal on Lebanon, blasting its air and road links to the outside world to punish the guerrilla group-and with it, the country-for the capture of two Israeli soldiers.

Hezbollah's Sheik Hassan Nasrallah and his family were safe after missiles demolished the two buildings in Beirut's crowded southern neighborhoods, Hezbollah said.

But the strike underlined Israel's determination to take the fight direct to Hezbollah's leadership as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed the massive campaign would continue until the guerrillas were neutralized.

Warplanes again smashed runways at Beirut's airport with hours of airstrikes, trying to render it unusable, and destroyed mountain bridges on the main highway to Syria.

Warships blockaded Lebanon's ports for a second day.

Smoke drifted over the capital after strikes exploded fuel tanks at one of Beirut's two main power stations, gradually escalating the damage to Lebanon's key infrastructure.

Apartment buildings were shattered by strikes in south Beirut.

Lebanese guerrillas responded with an intensified barrage of at least 50 Katyusha rockets throughout the day into northern Israeli towns, killing a woman and her grandson.

The death toll in three days of fighting rose to 73 killed in Lebanon-almost all civilians, including five who died in strikes in south Beirut and the south Friday-and 12 in Israel, including four civilians killed by Hezbollah rockets. The violence sent shock waves through a region already traumatized by the ongoing battles in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas.

Olmert told U.N. chief Kofi Annan in a phone call that the offensive would not halt until Hezbollah guerillas are disarmed.

But he agreed to allow U.N. mediation for a cease-fire-but only if the terms for the truce included the return of the soldiers and the disarming of the guerrillas, an official close to the premier said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

At the same time, Israel sought to exact a price from the Lebanese government for allowing Hezbollah to operate freely in the south. Its strikes on the airport and roads and naval blockade all but cut off Lebanon from the world as it gradually increased the punishment to infrastructure.

But there were fears-acknowledged by U.S. President George W. Bush-that the Israeli assault could bring down the Western-backed, anti-Syrian government of Lebanon.

Bush, in Russia for the G-8 summit, spoke by phone with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and promised to pressure Israel "to limit damage to Lebanon ... and to spare civilians and innocent people from harm," according to a statement from Siniora's office.

But the promise fell short of the Lebanese leader's request for pressure for a cease-fire. The White House confirmed the call but would provide no details of the discussions.

French President Jacques Chirac said Israel's actions were "totally disproportionate" but also condemned Hezbollah's attacks. He implicitly suggested that Syria and Iran might be playing a role in the expanding crisis.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Israel against expanding its campaign to attack Syria and said the Jewish state couldn't harm Iran.

"Despite the barbaric and criminal nature of the occupiers of Jerusalem, the regime and its Western supporters do not even have the power to give Iran a nasty look," he said.

Iran is a top ally of Syria and both countries back Hezbollah-leading to speculation by some that they were fueling the crisis. Israeli has warned Hezbollah might try to move its two Israeli prisoners to Iran.

Israeli officials said the air campaign against Lebanon was the biggest since the Israeli invasion in 1982. The only comparable military action since then was the "Grapes of Wrath" offensive in 1996, also sparked by Hezbollah attacks.

But the Lebanese casualties were mounting faster than in 1996, when at least 165 people were killed in 17 days of fighting, including more than 100 civilians who died in Israeli shelling of a U.N. base. http://www.dailystar.com.lb

Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for Hezbollah's actions, but Siniora's Cabinet has insisted it had no prior knowledge of the raid that seized the soldiers and that it did not condone it.

Hezbollah operates with near autonomy in south Lebanon, and the government has resisted international pressure to disarm it-a step that could break the country apart.

Siniora's government is dominated by anti-Syrian politicians, some sharply critical of Hezbollah, but the guerrilla group also has two ministers in the Cabinet.

The fighting in Lebanon is Israel's second front after it launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip two weeks ago in response to the June 25 capture by Hamas militants of an Israeli soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit.

Throughout the morning, Israeli fighter-bombers pounded runways at Beirut's airport for a second day, apparently trying to ensure its closure after the Lebanese national carrier, Middle East Airlines, managed to evacuate its last five planes to Amman. One bomb hit close to the terminal building.

Another barrage hit fuel tanks at one of Beirut's two main power stations at Jiye. Some parts of the capital were already seeing electricity outages before the strike, which was likely to worsen power shortages.

For the first time in the assault, strikes targeted the crowded Shiite residential neighborhoods in south Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah's leadership.

An initial wave before dawn hit near Hezbollah's security headquarters and targeted roads, damaging two overpasses.

The facades of nearby apartment buildings were shorn away, balconies toppled onto cars and the street littered by glass from shattered windows. Firefighters struggled to put out several blazes.

A young man with blood pouring down his face was shown on Lebanese TV walking out of a damaged apartment building.

An afternoon strike hit an apartment building near Hezbollah's Al-Nour radio station. The radio continued broadcasting, and Hezbollah TV showed smoke billowing from an apartment in the area and firefighters running toward the building.

"I have huge debts and now my store is damaged," said Fadi Haidar, 36, cleaning away broken glass at his appliances shop, which had an estimated $15,000 in damage.

Still, he supported Hezbollah and its leader, Nasrallah, in their decision to seize the soldiers.

"Israel is our enemy and every Muslim must make a sacrifice," he said. "As time goes by, they will all realize that Sayyed Nasrallah is right and is working in the interest of Muslims."

Warplanes also bombed the highway between Beirut and Damascus-Lebanon's main land link to the outside world-forcing motorists onto mountainside roads to the Syrian capital. Warships shelled the coastal highway north of Sidon, slowing traffic considerably but not actually cutting the road, witnesses said.

In northern Israel, 220,000 people hunkered down in bomb shelters amid Hezbollah's rocket barrage.

At least 50 rockets hit seven towns and communities in Israel, including Safad and Nahariya, where two people were killed a day earlier. Since Wednesday, 61 Israelis have been hurt in the rocket fire.

Many Israelis were shocked Thursday when two rockets hit Haifa, the country's third-largest city, 30 miles south of Lebanon.

No guerrilla rocket had ever reached that far into Israel. Hezbollah denied targeting the port city.

The Israeli offensive was causing political waves in Lebanon, with some anti-Syrian politicians accusing Hezbollah of ragging the country into a costly confrontation with Israel.

"Hezbollah is playing a dangerous game that exceeds the border of Lebanon," Druse leader Walid Jumblatt said in comments published Friday.

Jumblatt, a leading anti-Syrian figure, also denounced the Israeli attacks on Lebanon, calling them completely unjustified. -Agencies