Israel has launched its heaviest air bombing of Lebanon in twenty four-years. The attack was launched Wednesday following the capture of two soldiers by Hezbollah. Overnight raids across southern Lebanon killed up to 47 civilians, including more than 15 children. At least one hundred were wounded. More than 20 bridges were targeted in the bombings, causing heavy damage. An Israeli helicopter fired a missile at the headquarters of Hezbollah’s Al Manar TV station in a Beirut suburb. Israel is threatening to attack Beirut’s residential neighborhoods where Hezbollah members live. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Dan Halutz told Haaretz: “Nothing is safe [in Lebanon], as simple as that.” Israel is imposing an air and sea blockade and has sent ships into Lebanese waters to block ports. The Beirut international airport has been closed after Israeli rockets targeted its runways. Hezbollah responded by firing volleys of rockets into northern Israel killing one Israeli woman and injuring twenty-nine. Eight Israeli troops were killed and two were injured in the Hezbollah operation that nabbed the two soldiers. Israel says it holds the Lebanese government directly responsible.

• Dan Gillerman, Israel’s ambassador to the UN: “This morning war has been declared on Israel’s northern border. The Israeli government regards the actions which resulted in the death of Israeli soldiers and kidnapping of two, as a declaration of war by Lebanon on the state of Israel, and we hold the Lebanese government responsible.”

The Lebanese Prime Minister has denied any knowledge of the Hezbollah operation and refuses to take responsibility for the soldiers’ capture. Meanwhile, Hezbollah says the soldiers will not be returned without a deal for the release of Palestinian, Lebanese and other Arab prisoners held in Israeli jails.

• Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: “There is only one way for these prisoners that we have to go home: indirect negotiations and (prisoner) exchange, and peace. Nobody in this entire world can take them back home, except through indirect negotiations and exchange. If Israelis think of taking any military action with the purpose of taking back the two prisoners, they are labouring under a great illusion.”

Meanwhile, at the UN, Secretary General Koffi Annan called on Hezbollah to release the soldiers. He also urged all sides to practice restraint and addressed the targeting of innocent civilians.

• UN Secretary General Koffi Annan: “Whatever happens in the region, every effort must be taken not to harm civilians. The deliberate attack and maiming of unarmed civilians is terrorism pure and simple whatever the cause.”