The cabinet approved the request, permitting IDF troops to operate as far north as the Litani River in a move intended to push Hizbullah back to the other side of the Litani, thereby distancing the threat to Israel’s northern border. While most of the cabinet ministers voted in favor, Science Minister (Labor) Ophir Pines abstained. There were no votes of opposition.
The ministers were briefed by military and intelligence officials, as well as by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who detailed the picture on the international diplomatic scene.
In his nationally televised address on Monday night, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told a forum of mayors that there would be no ceasefire in the “coming days,” stressing Israel will continue the military operation until her objectives are attained in Lebanon, mainly the elimination of the Hizbullah threat.
While Olmert over the weekend agreed to a limited cessation of aerial assaults over southern Lebanon, ground forces continue to operate, with senior IDF commanders explaining the air force is not enough – stating that until such time infantry units complete the job on the ground, the operation must continue.
Jerusalem realizes the ongoing anti-Hizbullah offensive is a race against the clock as the United Nations prepares to issue a call for a ceasefire. Such a move can be expected in the coming days, which will add additional pressure on Israel to halt the offensive.
Olmert has stated that he is willing to order an immediate ceasefire when an international stabilization force is deployed in the area, a move currently opposed by both Lebanon and Syria, both preferring an increase in the United Nations UNIFIL force currently deployed in southern Lebanon.
The prime minister is also demanding the Government of Lebanon comply with UN Resolution 1559, demanding the deployment of Lebanese military forces in southern Lebanon along Israel’s border. In addition, the resolution demands Lebanon disarm Hizbullah. Olmert is also calling for the immediate and unconditional release of three IDF soldiers being held captive by Hizbullah and Hamas. Recent intelligence reports indicate the three are alive and well, being held in Gaza and Lebanon.
According to intelligence community officials, while 70% of Hizbullah’s longer-range rockets that threaten the Greater Tel Aviv area have been destroyed, the terror organization still has some 10,000 Katyusha rockets, explaining that of the original arsenal of 13,000, the air force only managed to knock out about 1,500. The remaining number was fired at Israeli communities.
Officials acknowledge the risk factor of increasing the ground force in Lebanon is significant, but insist such a move is necessary. 53 people have been killed since the start of the war three weeks ago. Magen David Adom emergency medical service officials report responding to 717 calls during that time period.
Support for the counter-terror effort remains high. A poll released by the daily Ma’ariv on Tuesday shows 74% support for the government’s performance with an 85% approval rating for the IDF.
The increase in the infantry operation is going to be significant, involving a number of divisions, including reserve duty and compulsory service soldiers. Preparations are underway and the order to move the sizable force across the border is expected in the not-too-distant future.
In the meantime, Kiryat Shmona residents on Monday enjoyed a day of silence, a day without rocket attacks, a day of fresh air and sunshine, as they were permitted to leave shelters and safe rooms. IDF Homefront Command officials warn residents to remain alert and not to distance themselves from safe rooms. The break however was most appreciated, as residents used the time to restock and stretch their muscles, soaking up the rays on a hot summer day.
Residents who left their homes, opting to head south, are beginning to return home as well, not because they believe the attacks will halt, but because most people have exhausted their funds and can no longer remain in hotels and guest houses, while others explain they can no longer impose on family members and friends.
Efforts to alleviate some of the stress of northern residents continue, with many cities and municipalities offering free summer camps and recreational activities for children.
Education Minister Prof. Yuli Tamir is not taking any chances, planning to begin the 2006-2007 school year while northern communities remain in a state of war. She told her district heads in a high-level meeting earlier this week that the 500,000 northern area students would not be bused elsewhere, but classes would be held in safe rooms and shelters and in schools designed to accommodate the current situation. Classes will be staggered she explained, with children attending school in shifts in a move intended to limit the number of students gathered in one location at the same time.
A number of rockets landed in the Galilee region during the night, resulting in damage to vacant structures, but no injuries have been reported. Israel is waking up to a second morning of tense quiet as military personnel remain on alert along with emergency medical service personnel, police, and other emergency response forces. Homefront Command officials urge northern area residents to remain cautious, stating the emergency situation still exists in all northern areas.
The ministers were briefed by military and intelligence officials, as well as by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who detailed the picture on the international diplomatic scene.
In his nationally televised address on Monday night, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told a forum of mayors that there would be no ceasefire in the “coming days,” stressing Israel will continue the military operation until her objectives are attained in Lebanon, mainly the elimination of the Hizbullah threat.
While Olmert over the weekend agreed to a limited cessation of aerial assaults over southern Lebanon, ground forces continue to operate, with senior IDF commanders explaining the air force is not enough – stating that until such time infantry units complete the job on the ground, the operation must continue.
Jerusalem realizes the ongoing anti-Hizbullah offensive is a race against the clock as the United Nations prepares to issue a call for a ceasefire. Such a move can be expected in the coming days, which will add additional pressure on Israel to halt the offensive.
Olmert has stated that he is willing to order an immediate ceasefire when an international stabilization force is deployed in the area, a move currently opposed by both Lebanon and Syria, both preferring an increase in the United Nations UNIFIL force currently deployed in southern Lebanon.
The prime minister is also demanding the Government of Lebanon comply with UN Resolution 1559, demanding the deployment of Lebanese military forces in southern Lebanon along Israel’s border. In addition, the resolution demands Lebanon disarm Hizbullah. Olmert is also calling for the immediate and unconditional release of three IDF soldiers being held captive by Hizbullah and Hamas. Recent intelligence reports indicate the three are alive and well, being held in Gaza and Lebanon.
According to intelligence community officials, while 70% of Hizbullah’s longer-range rockets that threaten the Greater Tel Aviv area have been destroyed, the terror organization still has some 10,000 Katyusha rockets, explaining that of the original arsenal of 13,000, the air force only managed to knock out about 1,500. The remaining number was fired at Israeli communities.
Officials acknowledge the risk factor of increasing the ground force in Lebanon is significant, but insist such a move is necessary. 53 people have been killed since the start of the war three weeks ago. Magen David Adom emergency medical service officials report responding to 717 calls during that time period.
Support for the counter-terror effort remains high. A poll released by the daily Ma’ariv on Tuesday shows 74% support for the government’s performance with an 85% approval rating for the IDF.
The increase in the infantry operation is going to be significant, involving a number of divisions, including reserve duty and compulsory service soldiers. Preparations are underway and the order to move the sizable force across the border is expected in the not-too-distant future.
In the meantime, Kiryat Shmona residents on Monday enjoyed a day of silence, a day without rocket attacks, a day of fresh air and sunshine, as they were permitted to leave shelters and safe rooms. IDF Homefront Command officials warn residents to remain alert and not to distance themselves from safe rooms. The break however was most appreciated, as residents used the time to restock and stretch their muscles, soaking up the rays on a hot summer day.
Residents who left their homes, opting to head south, are beginning to return home as well, not because they believe the attacks will halt, but because most people have exhausted their funds and can no longer remain in hotels and guest houses, while others explain they can no longer impose on family members and friends.
Efforts to alleviate some of the stress of northern residents continue, with many cities and municipalities offering free summer camps and recreational activities for children.
Education Minister Prof. Yuli Tamir is not taking any chances, planning to begin the 2006-2007 school year while northern communities remain in a state of war. She told her district heads in a high-level meeting earlier this week that the 500,000 northern area students would not be bused elsewhere, but classes would be held in safe rooms and shelters and in schools designed to accommodate the current situation. Classes will be staggered she explained, with children attending school in shifts in a move intended to limit the number of students gathered in one location at the same time.
A number of rockets landed in the Galilee region during the night, resulting in damage to vacant structures, but no injuries have been reported. Israel is waking up to a second morning of tense quiet as military personnel remain on alert along with emergency medical service personnel, police, and other emergency response forces. Homefront Command officials urge northern area residents to remain cautious, stating the emergency situation still exists in all northern areas.