Israel Security Cabinet Votes To Expand Offensive
Posted August 9, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved an expanded ground offensive in south Lebanon in an attempt to weaken Hezbollah further before a ceasefire is imposed.
Nine of the 12 ministers in the cabinet approved the push deeper into the country to root out guerrilla fighters, while three were against it.
There were reservations about the potential more Israeli solders might be killed in a broadened offensive. So far 67 soldiers have been killed.
The decision was also risky in that Israel could open itself up to criticism that it’s sabotaging diplomatic efforts by increasing fighting, especially in the wake of an offer by Lebanon to post troops at the border to prevent rocket attacks by the guerrilla fighters.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he supported extending the fight, but admitted feeling apprehension over the possibility of losing more Israeli soldiers.
The proposal will send troops to and beyond Lebanon’s Litani River, located 30 kilometres from the border. Earlier this week the military declared a no-drive zone south of the river and said it would blow up any moving vehicles it saw.
“We will not agree to a situation in which the diplomatic solution will not promise us stability and quiet for many years,” said Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz.
The death toll continues to rise in Lebanon, with 19 civilians killed in air strikes Tuesday and 77 casualties Monday. Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said it was time for his country to “impose its full control, authority and presence,” seeming to suggest it would move to follow previous UN resolutions to disarm the militant fighters.
The UN Security Council put off its decision on a U.S.-French ceasefire proposal Tuesday in order to allow three Arab officials to make their case. They argue the current resolution heavily favours Israel and doesn’t take Lebanon’s interests into account.
Since the conflict began nearly 700 people have died in Lebanon. The Israeli toll stands at 103 killed so far – 37 civilians and 67 soldiers.
