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Israel Defense Forces Readies to Leave Lebanon in 10-14 Days by Amos Harel
The Israel Defense Forces could withdraw all troops from Lebanon in a period of 10 days to two weeks if UNIFIL continues to deploy at the present rate, according to security sources. Meanwhile, the bolstered peacekeeping force in Lebanon began taking shape on Saturday as 1,000 started moving in - the first large contingent of international troops dispatched to help safeguard a cease-fire between Israel and Hizballah. (Ha'aretz)
Hizballah: We're Arming for Second Round by Dudi Cohen
Hizballah representative in Iran Muhammad Abdullah Sif al-Din said last week that Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah has a new strategic plan to rearm ahead of the "next round against Israel." Sif al-Din said his organization had no intention of disarming and that there was no possibility that Hizballah would join the Lebanese army. (Ynet News) See also Hizballah's Indoctrination (UPI)
Jihad Summer Camp: Sand, Soccer, and the Zionist Enemy by Avi Issacheroff
At an Islamic Jihad summer camp, Hisham, one of the camp directors, explains: "We teach the children the truth. How the Jews persecuted the prophets and tortured them. We stress that the Jews killed and slaughtered Arabs and Palestinians every chance they got. Most important, the children understand that the conflict with the Jews is not over land, but rather over religion. As long as Jews remain here, between the [Jordan] river and the sea, they will be our enemy and we will continue to pursue and kill them." (Ha'aretz)
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Israeli Airman Alive 20 Years Later?
Israelis are riveted by the latest chapter in a long-running mystery: What happened to an Israeli airman whose plane was shot down over Lebanon in 1986? A new video purportedly shows Ron Arad alive after his capture 20 years ago by Lebanese guerrillas. The navigator has become a symbol for PoWs and MIAs, and his picture still appears on bumper stickers and posters. (Toronto Star)
Hamas Spokesman: Palestinians Have Failed in Gaza by Khaled Abu Toameh
In an article published last week, Ghazi Hamad, spokesman for the Hamas-controlled PA, questioned the effectiveness of Kassam rocket attacks on Israel and noted that since Israel evacuated Gaza, the situation there has deteriorated on all levels. Dismissing Israel's responsibility for the growing state of anarchy and lawlessness in Gaza, Hamad said it was time for the Palestinians to embark on a soul-searching process to see where they erred. "We're always afraid to talk about our mistakes," he added. "We're used to blaming our mistakes on others. What is the relationship between the chaos, anarchy, lawlessness, indiscriminate murders, theft of land, family rivalries, transgression on public lands and unorganized traffic and the occupation?" (Jerusalem Post) See also Palestinians Begin to Direct Blame Inward (Los Angeles Times)
PM Olmert Authorizes Limited War Probe by Josef Federman
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced an inquiry Monday into the war against Hizballah in Lebanon, hoping to dispel criticism that the army and government bungled the campaign but falling short of demands for an independent probe with the authority to dismiss top officials. The decision was likely to further enrage critics who say that Olmert and other top officials should be the focus of the investigation, not overseeing it. (AP/CBS News) See also Point-Counterpoint.
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