MANY Lebanese celebrated with gunfire and candy after Hezbollah militiamen captured two Israeli soldiers and killed another seven in attacks yesterday, but the country was bracing for a harsh response from its southern neighbour.
After the initial euphoria, the streets of southern Lebanon were deserted as fearful residents rushed home. Fears also grew after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the abduction amounted to an act of war, and ordered strikes which left two Lebanese civilians dead, 23 wounded and a number of bridges destroyed in the south.
“We support Hezbollah which wants to secure the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, but we are afraid that this operation will make us live in the dark by again bombing our power stations and infrastructure,” said one resident.
As soon as news of the capture was announced on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television, celebratory gunfire filled the air in Beirut’s southern suburbs where cheerful residents distributed sweets to motorists across the crowded streets of the Hezbollah stronghold.
Cars roamed the streets of Beirut and the suburbs, waving yellow Hezbollah flags and announcing on loud speakers the “heroic” capture of the soldiers.
“Long live Hezbollah, death to Israel,” chanted youths.
Palestinians from Beirut’s refugee camp of Burj Barajneh also drove on nearby main roads, honking and cheering in sign of celebration.
“The Israelis do not want to exchange the soldier kidnapped (by Palestinian militants) in Gaza against Palestinian prisoners. Now, Hezbollah has helped the negotiating position of our mujahedeen (fighters),” Palestinian student Hussam Jibril said.
Youths also distributed candies at the entrances of the main southern coastal cities of Sidon and Tyre while celebratory gunfire was also heard in towns in the Bekaa valley where Hezbollah maintains strongholds.
Some mosques in Tyre also announced the capture of the soldiers on loud speakers.
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So Hezbollah crosses the international border into Israel, kills three Israeli soldiers and seizes two others… then says that it will only release them if Israel releases a Lebanese terrorist who previously infiltrated into Israel and killed a father and daughter in their home and is now imprisoned by Israel. Does that sound fair?
No it is not fair at all. Reader, the Hezbollah is straight from hell and with them there is only one answer to give them imo, that is to be struck down asap.
Lebanon could be the most peaceful country in the Mid-east. But allowing the various terrorist groups to set up shop, and being under the influence of Syria opens the door to another civil war, and invasion by Israel. I had hope last year that the Lebanese would kick the Syrians out completely and embrace Western ideology. Looks like the terrorist groups and their supporters are screwing up the works, again.
Tom me too, I really thought Lebanon might do that, I wish they had.