Israeli military officials have been saying for the last several years that it’s pretty clear Hezbollah doesn’t want another war with Israel, with the belief that Hezbollah is more focused on fighting against ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria than on border skirmishes with Israel.
Still, the 2006 Israeli invasion of Lebanon was very popular on the far-right, and even though Israel was roundly criticized for the civilian toll of their invasion, many are eager to make clear that the next war, which they consider an inevitability, will involve even more deliberate targeting of Lebanese civilians.
That was the message of Education Minister Naftali Bennett today, and while it was couched as a response to Lebanon’s President recognizing that Hezbollah’s militia forces, which have been helping defend the border from ISIS and al-Qaeda raids, are “essential” to Lebanon’s defense.
This is being presented by hawks as a “recognition” of Hezbollah, which is meaningless since Hezbollah has been part of the Lebanese government for years. Israeli officials have been talking up the idea of deliberately targeting populated areas around Hezbollah in the next war for years, however, and this is just the latest pretext to reiterate it.
The real reason this narrative has been pushed is likely the reality that Israel’s military has a decidedly difficult time not killing civilians wholesale during wars, and simply wants to get a head start on justifying the reckless targeting of civilian homes.
Such wonderfull humans these Israelis.. They have gone from save a villager and you save the village to kill the villagers to save the country… WTF…..!!!!!!!
What kind of “education” does this minister impart?
Nazi one
The last war on Lebanon was done as deterrence by attack on civilian life and infrastructure. So they will do it again? They think it worked rather well last time, and they got away with it. Of course they’ll do it again.
I have seen other disturbing signs of impatience. David Goldman, aka Spengler, a brilliant blogger on anything economy — had in one of his articles all of a sudden expressed such a hate for Shia population, particularly in Lebanon and Iran — that readers reacted with disbelief. He suggested killing around 100,000 Shia in Lebanon, and nuking Iran.for good measure, he recommended poisoning water in Iran, and few other similar measures — but human mind tends to filter the memory and cannot even recall the rest.
Those ideas did not come about from an arrogant settler, but a sophisticated American, who among other credits boasts a post of a top executive of a Swiss Bank. But the world is changing for Israel and its ardent supporters. An automatic validation of all claims and desires is not forthcoming easily any more — so there is a dangerous frustation of unfullfilled ambition floating about. But there are reality checks out there increasingly constraining the freedom to indulge in fantasies. The latest great fantasy — the possibility of Saudi and Western sponsored Islamic cults overwhelming Syria and Iraq, and eventually fracturing Lebanon — is losing both militarily, ideologically and financially. There is a strong regional push for territorial integrity of both, Syria and Iraq. Lebanon is approving of Hezzbolah units fighting Al-Qaeda and ISIS in Syria. Israel is caught on the wrong side of history by supporting Islamic cults fighting Syrian Army. Recently two hospitals in Israel complained of not getting reimbursed for medical bills resulting in the treatment of over 1,200 fighters.
Acceptance of new realities wil be harder on Israel then it looks. Having bragged about not having a problem with black ISIS flag in Damascus — and being oblivious to the cruelty of this Isllamic cult — it has lost credibility with all regional players. Iran and Hezzbollah are winners. Iran was part of creating the framework for ceasefire in Syria — working with Syria, Turkey and Russia. Turkey and Russia remain guarantors. Turkey’s tough position on Kurds is reassuring to the entire border region, as well as population of Raqqa Governorate whose majority Arab population does not want Kurdish rule.
Israel on the other hand favored Kurdish secessionism and break up of Syria. No other country advocates that. The prospect of US making the region a collection of pliant stateletts is dimming. And with it, Israel’s ambitions of being a lynchpin of such imperial ME project are getting reduced to the reality of its own size and magnitude of Palestinian problem.
Every now and then the adrenaline of ambition flared up in bombing of some presumed Hezzblah assets in Syria. Leaving asside the sorry history of 2006 Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, and Hezzbolah role in repelling it, such acts are a provocation _ hoping ardently for a reaction — which never came and thus defeating the purpose if such tantrums.
But in light of the hightened anti Hezzbolah fever — Russia issued a statement that it did not give green light to Israel bombing inside Syria. Additionally, advised Israel that any issue it has with Hezzbolah to solve it with Lebanon, as the millitia is part of Lebanese defence forces, and political structure. And its participation in fighting against ISIS in Syria is with Lebanese approval. On all sides — Israel is having to face constraints to its vision of US dominated ME and its role in it. And now — the most annoying of them all Trump wants to revive peace talks with Palestinians. And is inviting Abbas to Washington. Well, it is again back to the reality. Take one state solution, as hinted by Trump and legalize the occupation. Or, move on with two state — in which case settlement expansion shows lack of good faith. With US being Israel’s best friend — or perhaps the only friend, it cannot ignore this reality as well. I am not a bit surprised by the childish muderous fury. But it warrants both the understanding of its motives and an appropriate level of caution. For the most extreme and vitriolic sentiments may not reside among the settlers in the West Bank, but among the fanatics with a lots of resources and influence around the world, and bere in US. I would prefer anytime to acquiesce to the most wild eyed settler fantasy, in order to remove the pernitious influence of Israel firsters out of politics. Then perhaps we can actually be able too fix a pothole without it having some ME implications.
Is anyone actually surprised by terrorists targeting civilians? After all, isn’t that the hallmark of terrorists? No different than their spiritual brethren in ISIS
That nothing compared to the U.S. Fascist government and Military Industrial Complex!
December 30, 2016 U.S. Is Selling Weapons That Kill A Child Every 10 Minutes
While the world has been transfixed on the epic tragedy in Syria, another tragedy — a hidden one — has been consuming the children of Yemen. Battered by the twin evils of war and hunger, every 10 minutes a child in Yemen dies from malnutrition, diarrhea, or respiratory-tract infections, UNICEF reports. And without immediate medical attention, over 400,000 kids suffering from severe acute malnutrition could die, too. Why are so many of Yemen’s children going hungry and dying?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/46132.htm
Isn’t purposely targeting civilians a war crime? I guess it doesn’t matter anymore!
How this creep would yell if someone called for killing more Israel citizens. I also noted he calls the next Lebanon war. Lebanon has never attacked Israel so why makes him think that there will be another war?
Israel, the thief of the middle east.. plans to steal ALL OF THE LEVANT! it’s called “the greater israel plan” look it up!
To the best of my recollection, I work for Antiwar.com, not you. If you want your comment deleted, delete it yourself. If you’re looking for my cooperation in some kind of passion play, sorry, I don’t have an Actors’ Equity card.
http://www.nkusa.org/index.cfm