7 Israeli soldiers killed, 2 kidnapped, by Hizbullah; Israel retaliate against civilians
Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/12/2006

Israel said today that in a Hezbollah attack this morning, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and three Israeli soldiers were killed, wounding a number of soldiers. The attack was along the Lebanon - Israel border.

The Israeli foreign ministry noted that the attack was on armored Israeli vehicles alomg the Israel- Lebanese border.

Israel said the Hizbullah organization launched rockets at Israel this morning today. It added that the two Israeli soldiers were also kidnapped into Lebanese territories.

Israel said its military has attacked thus far from the ground, the sea, and the air, targets in southern Lebanon, among them three bridges on the Litani River, two bridges crossing the A-Zaharni River, and Hezbollah posts and headquarters along the sector.

Israel said its military is preparing to act with full strength and determination using any means available in order to protect its soldiers from Lebanese attacks.

Israel said it holds the Lebanese government fully responsible for these attacks and demands it act immediately to ensure the safe return of the Israeli soldiers being held in its territory.

Israel's prime minister Ehud Olmert "This is not a terrorist attack, but an unprovoked cross-border attack by a sovereign nation against the sovereign territory of its neighbor. The Government of Lebanon, to which the Hizbullah is a party, is trying to undermine regional stability, and shallbear the consequencesfor its actions. Israel and its citizens now stand in an hour of trial. We have withstood such tests in the past, and will again know how to overcome and prevail against those who wish us harm."

Isarel's defense minister Peretz said "The Lebanese government, that allows Hizbullah to operate in its sovereign territory, will be held responsible for the results and the outcome. The State of Israel sees itself as free to take all the steps it believes are appropriate."

Israel's foreign minister Livni said "Hizbullah is a terrorist organization, which is part of the Lebanese government. The international community, including the Security Council, has demanded, repeatedly, time and again, that the government of Lebanon dismantle Hizbullah. Lebanon has failed to act and today's aggression is the result." She added "In these circumstances, Israel has no alternative but to defend itself and its citizens. We also expect the international community to act.We will fight back, in order to fight for peace."

The Washington Post report that in addition to three Killed Israeli soldiers "Four more Israeli soldiers were killed when troops and tanks crossed the border in pursuit of the captives." The Washington Post reported of at least two Lebanese civilian being killed with the Israeli attack on civilian targets sin Lebanon that included bridges, damaging also a power plant.

An Israeli government related report said that Hizbullah will release the soldiers in return for the release of detainees in Israeli jails. Israel holds Lebanese detainees.

The United Nations has repeated frequently condemnation of the regular violation by Israel of Lebanese territories, that include land, water and air violation, and Hizbullah is considered by some as a deterrent against an Israel government that has invaded and violated Lebanese areas repeatedly, with the last victory being the ejection of the Israeli occupation forces from Lebanon after Israel invaded it several years ago, and this victory is seen by Lebanese as due to the fighting success of the resistance led mainly by Hizbullah.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese intelligence arrests Israeli spy network   (6/15/2006)
  Larsen on the constant Israel violations against Lebanon   (3/25/2006)
  UN Security Council extends for UNIFIL for 6 months   (2/1/2006)
  Israel to return bodies of Hizbullah fighters   (11/25/2005)
  Pederson calls for putting an end to Israeli violations   (8/6/2005)
  Nasrullah considers Israel's keeping of al-Qintar is foolish act; Lebanese captives are welcomed as heroes   (1/30/2004)
  Smaha describes captives exchange with Israel as a great achievement   (1/30/2004)
  Annan: exchanging prisoners is a positive development   (1/29/2004)

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