[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1473 (10 messages)

imra Sun Jul 30 02:20:08 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1473

In this issue of the imra daily Digest:

20 terrorists killed in Bint Jbeil
Observation: Turkey-Lebanon sea route to replace
of Syria-Lebanon land bridge for "humanitarian supplies"?
Summary of IDF Aerial Activity in Lebanon on July 29th
Seventh Jordanian Relief Plane Lands in Beirut
COS Halutz released from Ichilov Hospital
Erez Crossing Opening Hours July 30th
statement by zeev bielski, jewish agency
chairman on terror attack in seattle
Nablus: IDF troops kill Jihad head
Tables turned in fighting: 26 Hezbollah: 0 IDF dead
[Though Bush say don't reward terror] Rice pushing deal
on Shaba farms, international force

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: 20 terrorists killed in Bint Jbeil

20 terrorists killed in Bint Jbeil

Three days after First Lieutenant Yiftah Shrier, 21, was killed by an
anti-tank rocket in Bint Jbeil, fighters of his unit returned to the
southern Lebanese town. Commander: This is not revenge. We were ordered to
carry out a mission and we executed in the best possible way

Hanan Greenberg YNET 29 July 2006
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3283076,00.html

Three days after First Lieutenant Yiftah Shrier, 21, was killed by an
anti-tank rocket in Bint Jbeil, fighters of his unit returned to the
southern Lebanese town overnight Friday.

In fierce battles that started Friday afternoon and ended in the early hours
of Saturday, 20 Hizbullah terrorists were killed.

The air force provided cover for troops and targeted Hizbullah cells.

Commander of Brigade 101, Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Yochanan, told Ynet that
the mission was not "to settle accounts."

"This is not revenge. We were ordered to carry out a mission and we executed
in the best possible way. I explained to them we are at war and sometimes
there are casualties. We don't deal with revenge but with how best to
protect ourselves and harm terrorists," he added.

'We saw them falling'

Eighteen soldiers were killed in fighting between the IDF and Hizbullah in
Maroun al-Ras and Bint Jbeil.

In Friday's battle 30 terrorists engaged paratroopers in exchanges of fire
in the western neighborhoods of Bint Jbeil.

"It started in the afternoon when two terrorists tried to approach a house
in which our soldiers were present. The soldiers hit and killed them. Then
the attack took off. At least seven cells of terrorists started operating in
the area. Some were in open fields and others were in houses. They tried to
harm our soldiers and hired anti-tank rockets, Sagger and RPG. Our forces
were well prepared and gunned down cell after cell. We saw them falling,"
Lieutenant Colonel Yochanan added.

He said the Hizbullah cells were well organized.

'They did a professional job'

During the operation one soldier was seriously wounded. The army believes he
was injured by a malfunctioning rocket he was asked to fire, but a probe has
been launched to determine whether he was injured by friendly fire or by
Hizbullah gunmen.

"In one occasion we identified a house that served as command post for
terrorists. We found communication equipment, and managed to hit three
terrorists and called in a helicopter gunship to hit the place itself," said
an officer who took part in the fighting.

Soon after the battle ended soldier carried their injured comrades on
stretchers for two kilometers to an improvised helicopter landing pad.

"Our fighters took part in the evacuation. They did a professional job and
we were surprised by the large number of terrorists who took part in the
operation but we know how to deal with them. It was a long fight and
everyone exhibited a fighting spirit. I have to say I am proud of my
soldiers. The mental preparation paid off and I am happy with the battle's
results," Lieutenant Colonel Yochanan said.

(07.29.06, 16:27)

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Observation: Turkey-Lebanon sea route to replace
of Syria-Lebanon land bridge for "humanitarian supplies"?

Observation: Turkey-Lebanon sea route to replace of Syria-Lebanon land
bridge for "humanitarian supplies"?

Aaron Lerner Date: 29 July 2006

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter charged today on Israel Radio that
Syria continued to transfer weapons to Hezbollah.

The Syria-Lebanon land bridge is being used to transfer "humanitarian
supplies" from the Arab world to Lebanon without any third party
supervision.

The introduction of an effective third party supervision of the many
Syria-Lebanon crossing point - if even possible - would require considerable
time to implement, and there is no reason to believe that Syria and others
would accept a halt to the flow of "humanitarian supplies" until such
arrangements were in place.

The close proximity of Turkish ports makes them a viable immediate
alternative.

Iskenderun (formerly known as Alexandretta) and the much larger port in
Mersin are both well within a reasonable hauling distance for trucks
carrying "humanitarian supplies" bound for Lebanon. The cargo could be
inspected by Turkish authorities as it is loaded in containers to be shipped
on vessels bound for Lebanon within the framework of the sea "humanitarian
supply corridor" already being established.

Turkey has indicated that it is interested in playing a more active role in
promoting stability in the region and such a program would provide Turkey
with just such a high profile opportunity.

If the proposal for such an initiative were to come from Turkey rather than
Israel or the U.S. the chances of its acceptance and success in the region
would be considerably greater.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Summary of IDF Aerial Activity in Lebanon on July 29th

July 29th 2006
IDF SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCEMENT

Summary of IDF aerial activity in Lebanon

On July 29th 2006, the IDF carried out aerial attacks against more than 60
targets in Lebanon. Among them:
4 launchers used to launch rockets at Israel.
Tens of structures, headquarters and weapon storage facilities used by
Hezbollah terrorist organization.
Several vehicles, which were identified as carrying weapons.
Several bridges and routes leading to missile launch sites.

Since this morning, more than 90 missiles fired by the Hezbollah landed
inside Israel. Since July 12th, approximately 1,600 missiles have landed in
Israel.

The IDF will continue to use all means at its disposal in order to protect
the citizens of Israel and create the conditions for the return the abducted
IDF soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, to their homes.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Seventh Jordanian Relief Plane Lands in Beirut

Seventh Relief Plane Lands in Beirut
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jul/29/7000.htm

Beirut, July 29 (Petra - Jordan News Agency)-- The seventh Jordanian relief
plane of the Jordanian Royal Air Force has landed in Beirut Airport carrying
about 16 tones of food, medical equipment, and furnishings for the military
field hospital presented by armed forces of Jordan and the Jordanian people
through the Hashemite Charity Organization.

The Jordan aid comes in implementation of His Majesty King Abdullah II's
directives to alleviate the suffering and plight of the Lebanese people.

Charge d'affaires at the Jordanian embassy in Beirut Dr. Mohamed Al Fayez
told Jordan News Agency that the plane is the seventh since the beginning of
the relief airlift which began last Wednesday to assist the Lebanese people.

He pointed out that other Jordanian planes will arrive today and next Monday
laden with assistance. The higher commission for relief in Lebanon will
handle the distribution of the medicine and the relief aid to all regions,
especially in the southern regions, he said.

He called on the Jordanian citizens in southern Lebanon to contact the
Jordanian embassy in order to facilitate transporting them to Beirut,
calling for providing the embassy with their phone numbers to help them ,in
cooperation with the Hariri Foundation, and ensure their safe arrival.

Al Fayez said the impression of the Lebanese people for the opening of the
field hospital is great, pointing out that Lebanese Minister of Education
and Higher Education Khaled Qabbani opened the field hospital yesterday as
it startsed work to relieve the suffering of the brethren Lebanese and to
treat the victims of Israeli aggression.

//Petra// Ashkar

29/07/2006 19:36:05

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: COS Halutz released from Ichilov Hospital

Halutz released from Ichilov Hospital
JPost.com Staff, THE JERUSALEM POST Jul. 28, 2006
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292022946&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz was released from Ichilov Hospital in
Tel Aviv on Friday after he arrived at the hospital's emergency room earlier
Friday evening suffering from abdominal pain.

As soon as the chief of staff arrived at the emergency room, the premises
were placed under heavy security.
Doctors pronounced Halutz in good health, and he was released.

IDF spokeswoman Brig.-Gen. Miri Regev assured Channel 2 that Halutz was
"completely fine," and was returning to his duties.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Erez Crossing Opening Hours July 30th

July 29th 2006
IDF SPOKESPERSON UPDATE
The Erez crossing will be opened tomorrow, July 30th, for the following
hours: 7:00-10:30 and 15:00-18:00. Please contact the IDF news desk in
advance to inquire whether the crossing is open before heading out in the
direction of the crossing.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: statement by zeev bielski, jewish agency
chairman on terror attack in seattle

JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL-PRESS STATEMENT
29TH JULY,2006

JERUSALEM:THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL, ZEEV BIELSKI
EXPRESSED HIS DEEP SHOCK AT THE MURDER OF PAMELA WAECHTER, AN INNOCENT
INDIVIDUAL, WHO WAS GUNNED DOWN ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON BEFORE THE ONSET OF THE
SABBATH IN A TERROR ATTACK ON THE BUILDING OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF
GREATER SEATTLE.

BIELSKI CONVEYED HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE WAECHTER FAMILY AND TO MRS ROBIN
BOEHLER, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER SEATTLE.HE
ALSO WISHED THOSE INJURED IN THE ATTACK A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

BIELSKI STATED:"JUST AS JEWS WORLDWIDE STAND BESIDE ISRAEL AT THIS TIME,WE
IN ISRAEL STAND BESIDE THE JEWS OF THE WORLD."

WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE PARTNERSHIP 2000 PROGRAM BETWEEN THE JEWISH
AGENCY AND WORLWIDE JEWISH COMMUNITIES, SEATTLE IS PARTNERED WITH THE
ASHKELON COAST REGION AND THE ISRAELI TOWN OF KIRYAT MALACHI. AT PRESENT
THERE ARE 5 ISRAELI YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN SUMMER CAMPS ORGANIZED BY THE
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE GREATER SEATTLE.

JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL
www.jewishagency.org

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Nablus: IDF troops kill Jihad head

Nablus: IDF troops kill Jihad head
Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST Jul. 30, 2006
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292028388&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

IDF troops killed a top leader of the Islamic Jihad terror organization in a
West Bank raid Saturday, the group said.
In announcements from mosque loudspeakers, Islamic Jihad said the group's
Nablus leader, Hani Awijan, 29, was killed by undercover IDF troops. The
soldiers came to arrest him while he was playing soccer with friends and
relatives, the group said. Another Islamic Jihad operative was also killed
in the operation.

The army confirmed soldiers operated in Nablus and said a terrorist was
killed in an exchange of fire.

Israel Radio said Awijan was responsible for a series of attacks on
Israelis. Over the past 17 months, Islamic Jihad has been responsible for
all 12 suicide bombing attacks in Israel, which killed 71 people.

News of the raid spread through Nablus, and large crowds gathered at the
hospital. Jihad activists burned tires in the streets and called for a
general strike in the city. Shops were quickly closed.

While most attention is on the Israel-Lebanon conflict and the month-long
IDF offensive in Gaza, security forces carry out nightly arrest raids in the
West Bank, searching for suspected terror operatives. Often more than 20 are
detained in a single night.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Tables turned in fighting: 26 Hezbollah: 0 IDF dead

IAF hits road on Lebanon-Syria border; IDF leaves Bint Jbail
By Ze'ev Schiff and Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies 30 July
2006
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/743736.html

An Israel Air Force air strike closed Lebanon's main crossing point to Syria
on Saturday for the first time since the start of the war between Israel and
Hizbollah, security sources said.

Three air strikes hit the road between Lebanese and Syrian immigration
offices at Masnaa area in the eastern Bekaa Valley, approximately 1 km
inland on the Lebanese side of the border, they said. There were no
casualties.

Traffic on the border had been interrupted by IAF attacks nearby, but it was
the first time it had been declared closed in the 18-day Israeli onslaught
in Lebanon.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had struck the road to cut arms supply
routes from Syria to Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

"The military attacked the road from Lebanon to Syria to prevent the
smuggling of weapons," an IDF spokeswoman said.

An IDF officer said early Sunday that despite continued arms smuggling from
Syria to Lebanon, Israel has no plans of attacking Syria, Israel Radion
reported.

IAF aircrafts have been pounding southern Lebanon, southern Beirut and other
parts of the country in a war against Hezbollah which began after the
guerrilla group captured two IDF soldiers and began firing barrages of
rockets into Israeli territory.

6 soldiers hurt in clashes with Hezbollah
Israel Defense Forces troops pulled out of the southern Lebanon town of Bint
Jbail on Saturday afternoon, after clashes with Hezbollah left six soldiers
wounded and some 26 guerillas dead.

Armored Corps soldiers were still operating around the town, and were in
control of certain areas.

One of the soldiers sustained moderate-to-serious wounds when a rocket
misfired. The others were lightly hurt during clashes. All of the wounded
were transferred to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.

During the day's fighting, a joint force of Paratroopers and soldiers from
the Golani Brigade seized Hezbollah equipment including five anti-tank
missiles, 30 hand grenades, 41 clips and 10 bullet proof vests.

"(Israeli) forces are still there at the moment," an army spokeswoman said.

Two UN peacekeepers hurt in IAF strike on UN post
Two Indian peacekeepers wounded in IAF strike on UN post in south Lebanon
Two United Nations peacekeepers were wounded Saturday when an IAF strike hit
near their border post in southern Lebanon, a spokesman said.

The two soldiers from the Indian battalion of the United Nations Interim
Force in Lebanon were "moderately wounded as a result of the impact of an
aerial bomb that hit in the vicinity" of their position in the border
village of Adaisseh, UNIFIL spokesman Milos Strugar said.

The two soldiers were evacuated to a UNIFIL hospital in the town of Ibl
Saqi.

Strugar said the observation tower inside the position was damaged.

Four unarmed officers with the UN observer force in south Lebanon were
killed in an IAF strike that destroyed their bunker in southern Lebanon on
Tuesday. The deaths sparked an angry spat between the world body and Israel
when UN chief Kofi Annan said the hit appeared intentional, which Israel
denied.

IAF hits bridges on Orontes River
Two IAF raids destroyed a bridge on the Orontes River in the Bekaa Valley
early Saturday, largely cutting off the town of Hermel from the rest of the
country. There were no casualties, residents said.

Meanwhile, IAF warplanes took out the launchers used by Hezbollah to fire a
new kind of missile at the Afula area, the furthest south that the guerilla
group has reached since it began battering the north of Israel more than two
weeks ago.

The initial investigation revealed that the missile has a range of 90
kilometers. The northern district police said that this kind of missile had
not landed in the area before. The level of damage caused by the missile
impact and the size of the warhead is also unprecedented, suggesting that it
could have weighed up to 100 kilograms.

Security officials are looking into the possibility that the missile could
have originated in Iran, and may even be a Zelzal missile, which has a range
of up to 200 kilometers. Hezbollah has moved some of its rocket and missile
launchers further north inside Lebanon following IAF attacks to destroy
them.

On Thursday night, IAF planes fired more than 30 missiles at suspected
Hezbollah hideouts in hills and mountainous areas in southeastern Lebanon.
The day before, the IAF scored a direct hit against Hezbollah's missile
command center deployed in Tyre, which was responsible for firing rockets on
the Haifa area.

The IDF believes that at least 200 Hezbollah operatives have been killed
since the fighting began more than two weeks ago, a military source said
Friday.

IAF warplanes struck three buildings in a village near the market town of
Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon as they renewed attacks on suspected Hezbollah
targets Friday, killing a Jordanian citizen and a Lebanese couple and
wounding nine people, including four children, Lebanese security officials
said.

IDF troops also killed five Hezbollah operatives in the Lebanese town of
Bint Jbail before dawn Friday, Israel Radio reported.

Israeli jets staged four bombing runs that left roads damaged in
southeastern Lebanon, the security officials said. No casualties were
reported.

Israeli artillery pounded the border village of Arnoun on Friday. The
village is outside Nabatiyeh and next to the strategic Crusader's Beaufort
Castle, which has a commanding view of the border area. More than 40 shells
struck the village, sending up clouds of gray smoke, witnesses said.

The security cabinet on Thursday authorized the mobilization of three
divisions of reservists, "to prepare the force for possible developments,"
but said that they will be deployed, if necessary, only after further
approval by the cabinet.

Israel launched its military blitz against Hezbollah on July 12, in response
to the militants' capture of two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border attack.

Lebanon's health minister estimated Thursday that as many as 600 civilians
have been killed so far, though the official toll stood at 382.

A total of 33 Israeli soldiers have died in the fighting and 19 civilians
were killed in Hezbollah's unyielding rocket attacks on Israel's northern
towns, the IDF said.

Mossad, IDF disagree over damage to Hezbollah
The heads of two Israeli intelligence agencies disagree over how much the
IDF assault has damaged Hezbollah, although both say the group has been
weakened.

The Mossad intelligence agency says Hezbollah will be able to continue
fighting at the current level for a long time to come, Mossad head Meir
Dagan said.

However, Military Intelligence chief Amos Yadlin disagrees, seeing Hezbollah
as having been severely damaged.

The IDF believes that at least 200 Hezbollah operatives have been killed
since the fighting began more than two weeks ago, a military source said
Friday.

Also, the IAF scored a successful direct hit Thursday against Hezbollah's
missile command center deployed in Tyre, which has been primarily
responsible for targeting Haifa and its surroundings. The regional command
center was located on the 12th floor of a Tyre building that the IAF
destroyed.

Both intelligence chiefs agree that Hezbollah remains capable of command and
control and still holds long-range missiles in its arsenal, they said at a
security cabinet meeting Thursday.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Though Bush say don't reward terror] Rice pushing deal
on Shaba farms, international force

Rice pushing deal on Shaba farms, international force
By Aluf Benn and Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondents and News Agencies 30 Juy
2006
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/744083.html

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in the region Saturday night for
the start of another round of shuttle diplomacy between Jerusalem and
Beirut, aiming to push a diplomatic solution for ending the war in Lebanon.

Rice met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Saturday night in private. She will
depart for Lebanon Sunday and will decide following meetings there whether
to return to Israel for more talks.

The deal being put forth by Rice is for the deployment in Lebanon of an
"international stabilization force" comprising 10,000 to 30,000 troops in
return for Israel's withdrawal from the controversial Shaba Farms, on the
western slopes of Mount Hermon.

The international force would assist the Lebanese army to deploy in southern
Lebanon and inspect the crossings between Syria and Lebanon, so that no arms
will be smuggled to Hezbollah.

Rice did not ask Olmert during their meeting to end the fighting at this
stage, but it is assumed at the Defense Ministry that the IDF has 7 to 10
days to continue its operation in Lebanon.

By Wednesday the U.S. would like to gain approval for a new Security Council
resolution that will call for an end to hostilities.

Israel sources estimate the U.S. will allow a few more days for mopping up
operations by the IDF.

Defense sources said that in view of Rice's return to Israel, it appears
that for the first time since the start of the war, the "diplomatic clock"
is beginning to tick faster.

According to the sources, the General Staff has received orders to
accelerate its offensive on areas close to the border in order to deepen any
possible attack on the Hezbollah before the declaration of a cease-fire.

Sources in Jerusalem said France has agreed to participate in the
international force presented by Rice, and that the release of the abducted
Israeli soldiers would be part of the deal.

France has drawn up a draft UN Security Council resolution that would call
for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Israel and Lebanon and
prepare for the deployment of an international force.

French President Jacques Chirac's office said in a statement on Saturday
that it would not deploy its troops until a cease-fire has been reached.
"The agreement between the sides is a precondition for the entry of a
multinational force in south Lebanon," read the statement.

Rice thanked Olmert Saturday night for allowing the opening of corridors for
the transfer of humanitarian assistance to Lebanese civilians.

Prior to the Olmert-Rice meeting, sources in Jerusalem said the Bush
administration has asked Israel to be flexible over the issue of a pullout
from Shaba Farms, so that the support of the Lebanese government to the deal
being formulated can be assured.

However, following the meeting Saturday night, sources in the Prime
Minister's Office said Rice did not present the withdrawal from Shaba Farms
as a condition for the support of the government of Lebanon. "Our position
is based on the decision of the Security Council that ruled that there is no
territorial dispute between us [Lebanon and Israel]," the sources said.

The Bush administration would like to further the Shaba Farms issue as a
gesture to Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, which would be in return
for an official Lebanese government request for such a force to be deployed
in its territory.

Over the weekend Olmert indicated his willingness to discuss the Shaba Farms
issue.

In response to a press question, officials at the Prime Minister's Office
reiterated the view Olmert presented during a meeting with France's Chirac,
during their meeting last month, that Israel will agree to talk about a
pullout from Shaba Farms after Security Council resolution 1559 calling for
the disarmament of Hezbollah is implemented and following the international
recognition of a Syrian declaration that the Shaba Farms are Lebanese
territory.

The defense establishment is opposed to the inclusion of Shaba Farms into
any diplomatic arrangement for ending the current confrontation, out of
concern that this will be interpreted as an achievement by Hezbollah's
leadership. The IDF is not opposed to a pullout on security grounds, but
would prefer to see the matter raised under different circumstances and not
as part of a cease-fire deal.

The defense establishment is also willing to release the three Lebanese
prisoners held in Israel, in return for a return of the abducted soldiers,
Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.

France presents UN draft resolution calling for immediate ceasefire
France has drawn up a draft UN Security Council resolution that would call
for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Israel and Lebanon and
prepare for the deployment of an international force.

The document, distributed to the 15 Security Council members on Saturday,
anticipates a draft resolution the United States is planning that would
place up to 20,000 peacekeepers along Lebanon's borders with Israel and with
Syria.

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will preside over a meeting of
possible troop contributors to such a force, which would include the
25-member European Union, which has expressed interest, as well as Turkey
and nations now contributing to a UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

Chirac, whose country has emerged as the potential leader of the force, has
said troops could not be sent until there was a cease-fire accompanied by a
political deal.

In many respects, the French draft is similar to proposals the United States
and Annan have been discussing, except that it calls for an immediate end to
the fighting. The United States alone has refused to back such calls,
arguing that conditions first had to be ripe for a sustainable cease-fire.

At least 483 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Lebanon in the
conflict, and 51 Israelis have died.

In addition to an immediate cessation of hostilities, France, in its draft
resolution, outlined the following conditions for a permanent cease-fire:

-The release of abducted Israeli soldiers and "settlement of issue" of
Lebanese prisoners in Israel.

-Disarmament of all militia in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, and the
deployment of the Lebanese army along the Israeli-Lebanese border and
throughout the country

-A buffer zone in southern Lebanon between the Israeli border and the Litani
River, free of any armed personnel and weapons, except those of the Beirut
government's security forces and UN-mandated international forces.

-Annan, in coordination with regional and international parties, is to help
secure agreement in principle from Lebanon and Israel for a political
framework on the above cease-fire conditions.

-The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, after fighting has stopped, is to monitor
implementation of an agreement and help humanitarian access and the return
of the homeless.

-Delineation of international borders in Lebanon, especially the
Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms area, now part of Syria but claimed by
Lebanon. Hizbollah, before the current fighting, has used the Shebaa Farms
to justify armed resistance against Israel.

-The Security Council, after confirmation that Lebanon and Israeli have
agreed in principle on a political framework for a sustainable cease-fire,
should authorize deployment of an international force to support the
Lebanese armed forces.

Hezbollah ministers agree to disarm guerillas
Rice welcomed as a "positive step" the agreement by Hezbollah cabinet
members to seek an immediate cease-fire that would include the disarming of
militias.

In Beirut, Hezbollah politicians signed on to a proposed peace package
earlier Saturday that includes strengthening an international force in south
Lebanon and disarming the guerrillas, the government said.

The agreement, reached at a cabinet meeting, was the first time Hezbollah
had agreed to a proposal for ending the crisis that includes the deploying
of international forces.

Speaking to reporters en route to Jerusalem, Rice also praised Lebanese
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora for persuading Hezbollah to agree.

"The most important thing that this does for the process is that it shows a
Lebanese government that is functioning as a Lebanese government," Rice told
reporters traveling with her. "That is in and of itself extremely
important."

Olmert, meanwhile, met with Defense Minister Amir Peretz and Israel Defense
Forces Chief of Staff Dan Halutz for consultations Saturday, Israel Radio
reported.

Blair: Agreement on peacekeeping force possible within days
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Saturday he believed it was possible
to get agreement on a peacekeeping force for Lebanon within days and that
this could clear the way for a cease-fire.

Asked if he believed it was possible to get agreement on a multinational
force and even a cease-fire within days, Blair told a BBC television
interviewer: "I think that it is possible to do that, provided we are clear
about the ambitions."

"You won't get the force actually in [to Lebanon] within a few days but I
think you could get agreement in principle to the international
stabilization force. You then have to work out the details of it," he said.

"I think you could get a United Nations resolution based on an agreement
between the governments of Israel and Lebanon and I think if people can see
then a pathway to a proper, stable lasting resolution of the conflict then I
think you can get a cease-fire, yes," said Blair, who is in San Francisco
during a five-day U.S. visit.

Blair has come under strong criticism in Britain for supporting Bush and
refraining from calling for an immediate cease-fire.

He denied in the interview that he was giving a green light to Israel to do
what it wanted.

"What is happening in the Lebanon is absolutely terrible for the people
there. ... But you're not going to resolve it unless you can get the
cease-fire on both sides," he said.

The conflict began on July 12, when Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon
carried out a cross-border raid on Israel Defense Forces soldiers patrolling
the frontier, kidnapping two and killing eight others.

------------------------------

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End of [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1473 (10 messages)
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