Also Tuesday, Israel announced it would occupy a strip in southern Lebanon even if fighting comes to a halt. Israel says it will hold on to the territory until its troops are replaced by an international force that could confront Hezbollah. The Lebanese government has adopted Hezbollah’s conditions for a ceasefire. The government wants Israel to return the border territory known as Shebaa Farms to Lebanon; release three Lebanese prisoners; end flyovers of Lebanese air space; and provide a map showing the location of Israeli land mines in southern Lebanon. Israel has rejected the conditions and maintains it will continue the attacks until two captured soldiers are released and Hezbollah is removed from parts of southern Lebanon.
Israel To Occupy Parts of Southern Lebanon
HeadlineJul 26, 2006