The Law of Unintended Consequences: Into Bekaa
Into the valley of the shadow ...:
Israel Defense Forces commandos reportedly landed by helicopter late Tuesday night near the Hezbollah stronghold of Baalbek in what Lebanese security sources described as a major operation against suspected Hezbollah positions.Lebanese security sources said the troops landed as aircraft launched several strikes near Baalbek, which is located in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. (Click here for map)
One Lebanese officer saying the Israel Air Force presence in the air above the ancient city was "unprecedented."
Captain Ed notes the effect the ceasefire had on the Israeli public:
Israel had seemed ready to shut down its offensive a few days ago, but the Israeli people rose up in indignation at the criticism leveled at them for defending themselves. This shows that the new push may have all of the critics confounded. Israel is not just looking to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon with this new action -- they want to strike at Syria.
Hizb'allah's Qana PR strategy may have backfired. By forcing Israel to slow down, now they're accelerating. While a few days ago, it seemed like Israel would not press the war to its logical next step - sealing the Syrian border - now it is. And maybe, the step after that is possible.
