How Far, How Fast?
| 08:34 UK time, Monday, 24 July 2006
Incursions by Israeli forces inside Lebanon are still being described as 'limted' or 'pinpoint'.
The number of Israeli casualties suggests they are meeting stiff restistance.
Historically, Israel does well in mobile wars, and does not like static engagements.
The Israeli army's equipment and training favours surprise manoeuvres.
That means they can be expected to try to move fast, to outflank the Hezbollah positions that are well dug in after six years of preparation in southern Lebanon.
Watch for reports of Israeli units landing by helicopter as far north as southern Beirut.
They are unlikely to stay there, though.
Without foreign help, neither side can dominate.
Because both sides have been , so neither is taken by surprise.
Comments
I'm in Cyprus, and very worried that the "crisis" is going to escalate. I'm suspicious of the way Bush was bugging Iran about its nuclear weapons right before an Iranian-trained organization became the target of Israeli gunfire. I'm suspicious that the Washington-Jerusalem club has big plans for the middle east, and Ii'm appalled by yet resigned to the silence of the rest of the world. What can they say about the shedding of blood? That it's wrong? No one can afford to insult the Israelis, who are funded by the USA unconditionally. I am quite surprised at indications that Israel is having trouble invading Lebanon. I have a somewhat stereotype image of Israel "Defence" force as this super-high-tech invincible machine that can stomp trhough any country that bothers it, daring to take a Prisoner of War or two. By the way, I was delighted to hear Robert Fisk on World Update--thanks Mr. Damon! I can't afford the Independent, so I love when i get the chance to hear him on the world service...
Great Article.