Arens: withdrawal from town of Jezzine a test for Syria

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens said on Monday that the withdrawal of the pro-Israeli South Lebanon Army militia from the Jezzine district will be a "test of Syria's peace intentions."

In a statement to Israeli radio on Monday, Arens added that everything depends on Syria and what it will decide. He continued, "I hope the Syrians will ask the Lebanese army to deploy in Jezzine district" in order to ensure the security of its people and prevent "revenge acts," following the withdrawal of the South Lebanon Army militia.

He went on saying that, "If the Lebanese army is deployed in Jezzine and prevents the Hizbullah party from controlling the region, this will then be a good sign for the future."

The SLA militia has been deployed in Jezzine since 1985 in support of the Israeli army, but the militia has faced difficulties in keeping Jezzine due to the intensive attacks launched by the Hizbullah party.