Israel Calling Up More Reserves
Ha'aretz is reporting that Israel will be calling up more reserves, but will not change the basic operational strategy of airstikes coupled with pinpoint ground attacks.
The security cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, decided Thursday morning against expanding the Israel Defense Forces operation in southern Lebanon, Israel Radio reported.
The discussion came a day after nine IDF troops were killed in fierce battles with Hezbollah in the area.
During the meeting, Olmert said the goals of Israel's 17-day offensive are being met, the radio said. The ministers also decided to call up additional reserves to refresh troops in Lebanon, it added.
"It was decided to continue the offensive with the same strategy, using pinpointed ground incursions and air strikes, not to bring in massive forces," said a source om Jerusalem. "At the moment the army is not bound by time, it can act as long as needed."
Olmert convened a late-night meeting Wednesday with the "group of seven" - ministers who form part of the security cabinet - to discuss options and exchange views about the continuation of the operation in view of the rising casualties in battles against Hezbollah and the continued Katyusha rocket attacks against northern Israel.
Senior military personnel requested a widespread call-up of reserve soldiers for a two-month long ground operation to "cleanse" the area south of the Litani River of Hezbollah infrastructure.
A more daring operation was proposed by Mossad chief Meir Dagan.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz said during the Wednesday meeting that he favors continuing the operation in Lebanon, but opposes expanding it or an extensive call up of reserve troops.
The army's proposals were met with mixed responses by the ministers. "The military must present accomplishments," participants said. A senior minister stated that, "The main problem is the lack of defense leadership."
Officials have expressed concerns that expanding the operation would be misinterpreted by Syria as preparation for an attack against it, even though Israel has repeatedly stated that it has no plans against Damascus.
A number of ministers were expected Thursday to express bitter criticism of the handling of the war in the north, including its aims and the nature of the ground operations - particularly following the heavy casualties Wednesday.
Olmert ended the meeting at 1:30 A.M. Wednesday, saying, "I'm tired. I didn't sleep at all last night." But the ministers protested. "You summoned us. Let us talk," they said.
No decisions were made at the Wednesday meeting, but it served as an opportunity for the ministers to voice their opinions.
Calling up reserves indicates that Israel expects operations to continue for some time.
By Roland Hesz, Friday, 28 July , 2006 @ 2:10 am
Well, to occupy Lebanon and progress toward Syria, it will take a lot of soldiers.
Curious how far will it go.
Will there be a total war in the middle-east?