Amidst belligerent threats against Israel by the Hizbullah terror organization, Lebanon held a lavish ceremony today to mark the beginning of operations of the Wazzani River pumping station. Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel yesterday that his men are prepared to launch their missiles "within minutes" should Israel strike the water facility. The new pumping station will divert for Lebanese use water bound that, up until today, was bound for Israel via the Hatzbani River.
Israel has not ruled out military force against the installation, but has said that it is waiting for the results of American mediation efforts. American officials did not participate in today's Lebanese ceremony, saying it was damaging to efforts to find a peaceful solution to the problem, but Russian and European Union representatives did take part. Official Lebanese television featured pictures of the new pumping station alongside images of Katyusha rockets, which have been fired over the years against northern Israel communities.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres told the Knesset today, "I see this matter as a difficult test that could influence the actions taken by Syria and the Palestinian Authority regarding water in the region, and it could cause our disputes to extend from 'land' to 'water.' This unilateral move by Lebanon could cause a steep escalation, which Lebanon doesn't want, but Hizbullah - which continues to act with deceit, cruelty, and violence - does want it. We will not agree to these unilateral moves, and we will maintain our rights to preserve our water sources according to international law."
Israel has not ruled out military force against the installation, but has said that it is waiting for the results of American mediation efforts. American officials did not participate in today's Lebanese ceremony, saying it was damaging to efforts to find a peaceful solution to the problem, but Russian and European Union representatives did take part. Official Lebanese television featured pictures of the new pumping station alongside images of Katyusha rockets, which have been fired over the years against northern Israel communities.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres told the Knesset today, "I see this matter as a difficult test that could influence the actions taken by Syria and the Palestinian Authority regarding water in the region, and it could cause our disputes to extend from 'land' to 'water.' This unilateral move by Lebanon could cause a steep escalation, which Lebanon doesn't want, but Hizbullah - which continues to act with deceit, cruelty, and violence - does want it. We will not agree to these unilateral moves, and we will maintain our rights to preserve our water sources according to international law."