 |
Update on Israel |
|
|
|
||
|
Click here for
more
information from
Click here for
a full list of the victims of rocket attacks
|
||
|
News Briefs |
||
|
Israel lifts air and sea blockade of Lebanon |
||
|
September 8: Israel ended its naval blockade of Lebanon on Friday afternoon, turning over monitoring of the country's coastline to Italian naval vessels. On Thursday evening, Israel lifted the air blockade of Lebanon as international forces took up control positions over Lebanon’s airports.
|
||
|
PM Olmert meets Russian FM Lavrov |
||
|
September 7: This evening, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister said: “I am very
pleased to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. We have met
several times before and I am looking forward to my visit to Russia next
month, at the invitation of President Putin, in order to mark the 15th
anniversary of the resumption of full diplomatic relations between
Israel and Russia. Naturally, today we will discuss both bilateral
relations and issues on the agenda in the Middle East. As you have
certainly heard, we decided today, in coordination with the commander of
UN forces in the Middle East, General Pelligrini, not to lift the naval
blockade of Lebanon at this stage until the arrival of the naval forces
necessary to maintain this blockade in place. I very much hope that the
Italian, French and Greek naval forces necessary to continue the
supervision of Lebanon’s ports will be ready shortly and that we will be
able to evacuate when they take up positions."
|
||
|
Minister of Finance presents 2006-2007 economic plan |
||
|
September 6:
Israel's Minister of Finance has presented the 2006-2007 economic plan.
|
||
|
PM Olmert meets with UN Secretary General Annan |
||
|
August 30:
On Wednesday,
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and
thanked him for his role in formulating
UN Security Council Resolution #1701. The Prime Minister emphasized
that the main part of implementing the decision was the return of the
abducted soldiers to their homes and said that Resolution #1701 would
not be implemented in full without the soldiers' release and return
home.
|
||
|
PM Olmert convenes Cabinet for strengthening Haifa and Norrth |
||
|
August 30:
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a meeting of the Cabinet
for Strengthening Haifa and the North, in Hatzor Hagalilit. He said that
the entire north was currently facing "an historic opportunity" that
would enable it to develop and strengthen. He added that, "For us, the
current situation constitutes an opportunity to do something we have
been talking about for decades. The fighting will spur comprehensive
development work that will strengthen the entire area. "In the wake of
his recent tours of the area, the Prime Minister said that there was a
great difference between the reality on the ground and the descriptions
regarding the neglect of the home front. "There were difficulties, but
in the vast majority of cities there was administration, control and
oversight at a high level."
|
||
|
PM Olmert addresses Haifa authorities |
||
|
August 28: On Tuesday, Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert addressed the heads of local authorities in Haifa.
He reviewed the outcome of the war in Lebanon and announces that the
government will appoint of a committee of inquiry to examine the
functioning of the government, alongside examinations by the IDF and the
State Comptroller.
|
||
|
Chief Scientist assesses environmental costs of war in north |
||
|
August 27: The Chief Scientist for Israel's Ministry of
Environmental Protection has issued an assessment of the damage to the
north caused by the war with Hezbollah.
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with UN Secretary General Annan |
||
|
August 27:
Wednesday
evening, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke with UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan, who telephoned in order to update the Prime Minister on the
dispatch of the international force led by France and Italy. He said
that the force would deploy in about a week and added that he has
appealed to other countries to join it.
|
||
|
FM Livni to visit Germany and Denmark |
||
|
August 27:
On Sunday, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi
Livni leaves for a brief visit in Germany, where she will meet with
Chancellor Angela Merkel and with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter
Steinmeier. The visit will focus on the implementation of
UN Security Council Resolution 1701, following the close involvement
of Germany during the recent hostilities in Lebanon. FM Steinmeier
visited Israel three times, in addition to his frequent telephone
conversations with FM Livni.
|
||
|
PM Olmert holds discussion on Israel's emergency preparedness |
||
|
August 27:
On Sunday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held a discussion on the
Government's preparedness for emergency situations, on the basis of the
lessons of the
recent campaign in the north. Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
Director-General Ra'anan Dinur submitted the recommendations that were
formulated by staff work in the PMO. It was recommended, inter alia,
that the state provide residents who stay in shelters for a prolonged
time with goods and services that will be defined as "essential",
including food and medicines. The government will also encourage the
activity of private sector organizations during emergency situations but
these will only provide additional services that are not defined as
essential.
|
||
|
FM Livni meets with French FM Villepin |
||
|
August 24: On Thursday, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni met with her French counterpart, Dominique de Villepin in Paris to discuss the implementation of Un Security Council Resolution 1701. According to a statement made by the European Union today, "The international community will have to play an important role in contributing to the stabilization of the situation on the ground. We know that we need to move swiftly to deploy the international force in South Lebanon, in order to support the full implementation of resolution 1701."
|
||
|
PM Olmert meets with emissaries of UN Secretary General Annan |
||
|
August 23:
On Wednesday
afternoon, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with emissaries of United
Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who updated him regarding their
meetings in Lebanon, and the progress in the implementation of
UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The Prime Minister said that the matter of freeing the kidnapped soldiers as soon as possible and without conditions, in accordance with the UN Resolution, was of the utmost importance to Israel. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of forming the international force soon so that it can deploy in southern Lebanon, thereby allowing IDF troops to leave Lebanon.
|
||
|
Ambassador Gillerman addresses UN Security Council |
||
|
August 22: On Wednesday, Ambassador Gillerman addresses the UN Security Council, saying, "A clear and unequivocal mandate needs to be outlined for UNIFIL. A weak UNIFIL does not fulfill the interests of Lebanon or the region, and it writes Hizbullah a blank check to continue to do as it pleases."
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with Italian PM Prodi |
||
|
August 20:
This afternoon, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke with the Prime Minister
of Italy, Mr. Romano Prodi, regarding the international force in
Lebanon. The prime minister remarked that Israel considers sending military troops from the Italian army to be part of the international force in Lebanon to be crucial to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and that this would be an important contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East. The two prime ministers agreed that the matter should be expedited, and that they would be in touch in the coming days.
|
||
|
Turkish FM Gul visits Israel |
||
|
August 20:
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul arrived in Israel today for a
brief working visit. In the course of the visit, the foreign minister will meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni, and Defense Minister Amir Peretz. Talks are expected to focus on current issues, including the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and bilateral issues.
|
||
|
IDF Bekaa operation a response to violation of cease-fire |
||
|
August 20:
The Israeli military operation in the Bekaa on Friday night was a
response to a clear violation of the cease-fire.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, upon which the
cease-fire is based, calls for a complete arms embargo against
Hizbullah, and totally prohibits arms transfers from Syria and Iran to
the Hizbullah terrorists. The resolution calls upon the Lebanon Army and
the international forces to be stationed at the crossing points on the
Lebanese-Syrian border in order to make certain that there is no
violation of the embargo and no transfer of illicit weapons and
munitions to Hizbullah. Unfortunately, so far, we have not seen such an effective deployment by the Lebanon Army and an international force at the border. In such a situation of continuing arms smuggling to Hizbullah, Israel was forced to act to prevent a violation of the cease-fire, in order to curtail an undermining of the implementation of 1701 and protect its citizens from a proven threat of missile attack.
|
||
|
Israel's response to transfer of Costa Rican Embassy |
||
|
August 17:
The government of Israel expresses its regret and disappointment at the
decision by the government of Costa Rica to move its embassy from
Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. This act, taken at this particular time, is
liable to be interpreted as giving in to terrorism and awarding its
perpetrators.
|
||
|
FM Livni meets with UN Secy General Kofi Annan |
||
|
August 16: FM Livni's meeting with the Secretary General focused on the composition of the multinational force to be established under UNSC Resolution 1701. She stressed Israel's expectation that the force will be of high quality, with real military capabilities, and composed of soldiers from appropriate countries, and deployed as soon as possible. She further called attention to the need for the international community to enforce the arms embargo against Lebanon as stipulated in UNSC Resolution 1701. Finally, FM Livni emphasized that Hizbullah's delay in returning the kidnapped soldiers constitutes a violation of UNSC Resolution 1701 and that the international community must take steps for the soldiers' immediate release.
|
||
|
FM Livni issues statement before NY visit with UN Secy General |
||
|
August 15: Foreign
Minister Livni said the following regarding Israel's acceptance of UN
Resolution 1701 before leaving for New York to meet with UN Secretary
General Kofi Annan: "Military operations, regardless of duration, could
not have produced outcomes. It was necessary to move on and focus on the
political phase, which was in motion from the onset of the conflict."
|
||
|
PM Olmert addresses Knesset |
||
|
August 14: On Monday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addressed the Knesset regarding the Security Cabinet's acceptance of UN Resolution 1701. The resolution, he stated, his historic in its clarification "that there is only Israel and Lebanon. There is no longer a state within a state. There is no longer sponsorship for a terror organization by a state. And no longer is a terror organization allowed to operate within Lebanon." Prime Minister Olmert also emphasized the success of the IDF in destroying much of Hizbullah's "military and organizational infrastructure, its long-term ability, the huge weapons arsenal it has built and accumulated for many years, and also to the self-confidence of its people and leaders." The Prime Minister added that the next step is to help citizens of the north move forward and return to being a "blooming center of life, education and science, of industry and technological development, of tourism and culture."
|
||
|
IDF announces implementation of cease-fire |
||
|
August 14: As of 8:00 am Monday morning, the IDF has stopped its offensive operations in Lebanon. This is in accordance with the decision of the Israeli government, which is based on UN Resolution 1701. The IDF will respect the ceasefire, but will continue to defend its forces and the citizens of Israel. To that end, it will remain situated in southern Lebanon until the Lebanese army and UNIFIL arrive, after which forces will reposition themselves inside Israel along the internationally recognized border with Lebanon. During this time the IDF will not initiate attacks on Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, and will continue to employ means aimed at defending its forces and the citizens of Israel.
|
||
|
FM Livni briefs press on acceptance of UN Resolution 1701 |
||
|
August 13: Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni briefed members of the Israeli press on Sunday following the Security Cabinet's adoption of UN Resolution 1701. She held that the resolution will be an effective implementation of Resolution 1559 because international forces will be supplementing those of the Lebanese army, which is too weak to regain sovereignty on its own: "I would like to make it clear that in this Resolution 1701 we see a statement to the effect that what is taking place in Lebanon is a threat to world peace and security, and these resolutions use the terms to signify enforcement, and not merely as a call to do something."
|
||
|
Civilian killed by Katyusha rocket, 7 soldiers killed in fighting |
||
|
August 13: Mahdi Hayat, 83, of Moshav Ya'ara was killed on Sunday by a direct hit of a Katyusha rocket. Over 80 people were wounded as more than 250 rockets struck northern Israel throughout the day. In south Lebanon, seven soldiers were killed and 20 were wounded during combat.
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with world leaders |
||
|
August 13: Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert spoke with U.S. President George Bush after midnight, and thanked
him for the United States' assistance in preserving the interests of
Israel in the Security Council resolution. President Bush said
that his heart was with the residents of Israel who suffered the attacks
perpetrated by the Hizbullah, which he termed a terror organization
within a country. Later, Olmert spoke with the General Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who updated him regarding the Security Council resolution, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, after the resolution's approval. Olmert also spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy, Romano Prodi, who conveyed to the Prime Minister that, following the approval of the Security Council resolution by the State of Israel, Italy would send soldiers to be part of the force in South Lebanon.
|
||
|
FM Livni interviewed on Israel television |
||
|
August 12: Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni gave interviews on Saturday
with Channels 1 and 2, after UN Resolution 1701 was adopted late Friday
night. In her discussions, Livni stated that the resolution
reflected the interests of Israel, and emphasized its renewed attempt to
implement Resolution 1559:
"Today, the resolution is coming off the shelf and is being translated into action, including new things that it did not contain before, like an embargo on arms to Hizbullah, an embargo on any country that provides them with arms. This is something that is very difficult for the UN to accomplish vis-à-vis Iran. Look how long it is taking the UN with the issue of atomic weapons. In effect, what we have today is an enforceable and applicable resolution." Livni also emphasized that the IDF would remain in its positions, and start to leave Lebanon only when the Lebanese army and the international forces arrive. The decision is an effort to ensure the safety of Israeli and Lebanese civilians, as well as that of UN forces and the Lebanese army, in the case that Hezbollah returns before the Lebanese army and the international forces would be deployed.
|
||
|
UN Security Council votes unanimously for Resolution 1701 |
||
|
August 11: On Friday night, the UN Security Council voted
unanimously in favor of adopting Resolution 1701, which recommends a
"permanent ceasefire to be based on the creation of a buffer zone free
of armed personnel other than UN and Lebanese forces." The
resolution specifies the buffer zone as between the United Nations-drawn
Blue Line in southern Lebanon and the Litani River, which is 12 miles
from the Israeli border. In addition to a cease-fire, the
resolution calls for the immediate implementation of resolutions 1559
(2004) and 1680 (2006), which require the "disarmament of all armed
groups in Lebanon, so that, pursuant to the Lebanese cabinet decision of
July 27, 2006, there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other
than that of the Lebanese State."
|
||
|
Hezbollah rocket kills mother and son near Karmiel |
||
|
August 10:
Mariam Assadi, 26, and her son Fathi Ahmed Assadi, 5, were killed in a
direct hit by a Katyusha rocket on their home in the Israeli Arab
village of Dir el-Asad, near Karmiel. Also,
IDF
reservist Sgt.-Maj. Alon Smoocha, 35, of Hod Hasharon was killed when a
missile struck his tank in the el-Khiam area in south Lebanon. Maj.(res.)
Nimrod Hillel, 32, of Rosh Ha'ayin was killed in Labouna.
|
||
|
15 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon |
||
|
August 9: On Wednesday, 15 reserve soldiers were killed and 40 wounded in four different incidents in south Lebanon. Full Story
|
||
|
FM Livni meets with German FM Steinmeier |
||
|
August 9: On Wednesday, Foreign
Minister Livni met with her German counterpart. She emphasized the
importance of the international community in this conflict, saying, "It
is very important that the Lebanese army also be accompanied by
international forces that will enable it to reach the south in an
organized fashion and guard the area once the Hizbullah are gone."
|
||
|
Statement by FM Livni to Knesset |
||
|
August 8: "Changing the situation in Lebanon does not depend only on a military campaign, it does not depend only on Israel. It depends mainly on what happens the day after the military campaign, on what the Lebanese government does, on what the international community does."
|
||
|
Statement by Israeli UN Ambassador Gillerman to Security Council |
||
|
August 8: "The critical test this Council faces is not whether it can adopt a resolution. The question is whether this Council and the international community can adopt a blueprint for change, which will end the threat that Hizbullah and its sponsors pose to the people of Israel and Lebanon, and to the region. The forces of terror and the forces of moderation in the Middle East are looking to the Council to see if it is up to that challenge."
|
||
|
Four Israelis killed in clashes in Lebanon |
||
|
August 8: Two IDF reservists were killed and two wounded in the south Lebanese village of Labouna before dawn. Two paratroopers were killed later in the day in Bint Jbeil.
|
||
|
FM Livni recalls Israel ambassador in Venezuela |
||
|
August 8:
In protest against the one-sided policy of the President of Venezuela,
Hugo Chavez, in light of his outrageous defamatory remarks against the
State of Israel, and in reaction to the recalling of the Venezuela
ambassador to Israel, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has decided to recall
Israel’s ambassador to Caracas for consultations.
|
||
|
IDF apprehends Hizbullah terrorist involved in kidnappings |
||
|
August 7:
Hizbullah terrorist Ali Hassan Saliman, who was apprehended by IDF
forces, admitted during questioning that he was involved in the
kidnapping of Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, and
that he knew the goal was to kidnap Israeli soldiers. Saliman also
admitted his involvement in an additional kidnapping attempt at an IDF
post near the village of Rajar last November. Saliman, 22, joined the Hizbullah terror organization at age 15 and underwent a lengthy training program that included military and "educational" courses. After completing Hizbullah training, he joined the anti-tank section of the "Nasser Unit", the Hizbullah unit stationed on Lebanon's border with Israel.
|
||
|
IDF paratrooper killed, 3 wounded in attack on Bint Jbeil |
||
|
August 7: An IDF paratrooper was killed and three were wounded in fighting in Bint Jbeil on Monday. Earlier, an officer and two soldiers were wounded in battle near the village of Houla. At least 14 Hizbullah terrorists killed. In a separate operation, engineering corps and infantry units destroyed a Hizbullah headquarters in southwestern Lebanon, revealing stashes of rockets and antitank missiles.
|
||
|
Palestinians celebrate Israeli deaths |
||
|
August 6: According
to a report in Israel's daily Yedioth Aharanot, dozens of Nablus'
Palestinian residents set out Sunday afternoon in celebratory
processions when they learned of the outcome of the Hizbullah shelling
of Haifa and Kfar Giladi, in which a total of 15 Israelis were killed
and hundreds were injured. The Palestinians waved Hizbullah flags,
shouted in glee, and called on Nasrallah to continue to shell Israel.
They also asked him "to shell Tel Aviv." Fatah al-Aqsa Brigades
gunmen fired in the air in celebration, as children and traders set off
fireworks. Many store owners handed out fruits and candy to those
celebrating the Israeli deaths.
|
||
|
3 killed, 200 wounded in Katyusha attacks on Haifa |
||
|
August 6: In a rocket
barrage that hit the northern city of Haifa Sunday evening, three people
were killed, nearly 200 were injured, and dozens suffered from shock.
Immediately after the attack. Hizbullah announced that it had fired
Raad-2 rockets at Haifa. A statement issued by the organization said
that the barrage was in response to the "ongoing Zionist acts of
aggression against Lebanese citizens, and especially in response to the
bombing of the Dahiya in southern Beirut."
|
||
|
12 IDF paratroops killed in Hezbollah rocket attack in Kfar Giladi |
||
|
August 6: A rocket fired by Hezbollah
terrorists killed 12 IDF paratroop reservists as they were preparing to
enter Lebanon near Kibbutz Kfar Giladi on Sunday. 12 more soldiers
were wounded in the attack. This was the highest number of Israeli
soldiers killed in a single incident in Israel's history.
|
||
|
US Secretary of State Rice, Brig. Gen. Shihrur issue statements |
||
|
August 4: US Secretary of State
Rice and Israeli Brigadier General Shuki Shihrur both issued independent
statements on Friday regarding Hezbollah's capabilities:
Rice said that "Since the last ceasefire in this area, Hezbollah has improved its capabilities greatly. This is largely because of its relationship with Iran that has been able to finance it and give it more sophisticated technologies. And of course, they do this mingled in with civilian populations. So it’s very difficult to deal with." Shuhrir, the head of IDF Northern Command Operations, announced that "There are more than 14,000 Katyushas in all of Lebanon. Some are hidden in bunkers underground caches and in the homes of hundreds of south Lebanon residents."
|
||
|
Two soldiers killed overnight in Lebanon |
||
|
August 4: Two soldiers of the Golani Brigade were killed overnight by an anti-tank missile in the southern Lebanese village of Markhava: St.-Sgt. Daniel Shiran, 20, of Haifa, and St.-Sgt. Omri Haim Almakayes-Yaakobovitch, 20, of Ramla.
|
||
|
Katyushas claim two victims in Maghar and Kiryat Shemona |
||
|
August 4: A 27-year-old woman was killed by a Katyusha rocket in the Galilee village of Maghar, and a man in Kiryat Shmona; several seriously wounded in Friday afternoon bombardment throughout northern Israel - over 130 Katyushas by 4:00 PM.
|
||
|
Eight killed in Katyusha attacks in northern Israel |
||
|
August 3:
Eight Israelis from
Acre and Tarshiha were killed as more than 160 Katyushas landed in
northern Israel. Dozens were wounded, 13 seriously.
Also,
Four soldiers were
killed by anti-tank missiles in heavy fighting with Hizbullah in
southern Lebanon. As of Thursday morning, since the
onset of the conflict, 2,226 rockets have fallen, and 20 civilians have
been killed.
|
||
|
Newton, MA native killed in Katyusha attack on kibbutz |
||
|
August 2: David
Lelchook, 52, of Kibbutz Sa'ar, north of Nahariya, was killed by a
Katyusha rocket on Wednesday. Lelchook, a native of Newton, MA,
emigrated to Israel 20 years ago.
|
||
|
Hizbullah intensifies fire at Israeli population centers |
||
|
August 2:
A missile fired by
Hizbullah landed between Beit She'an and Jenin, over 70 km from the
northern border. Over 170 rockets also landed in Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona,
Rosh Pina, Tiberias, Acre, Karmiel, Maalot and Safed, killing one
civilian in a kibbutz in the Western Galilee and wounding 12.
|
||
|
PM Olmert issues statement on potential ceasefire, int'l stabilization force |
||
|
August 2: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued a statement
regarding the possibility of a cease-fire if an effective international
force is deployed in southern Lebanon:
"If indeed, as we hope,
the international force will be an effective force made of combat units,
then we will be able to stop fire when the international force will be
on the ground in the south part of Lebanon."
|
||
|
IDF
officer and two soldiers killed in clashes with Hizbullah |
||
|
August 1:
In the morning hours of August 1, 2006, heavy exchanges of fire
developed between IDF forces and Hizbullah gunmen, who used light
weapons fire, anti-tank missiles and "Sager" missiles against the
forces. Forces returned fire and identified hitting dozens of Hizbullah
gunmen. An IDF officer and two IDF soldiers were killed, and 25 soldiers were lightly injured.
|
||
|
PM Olmert addresses mayors of northern towns |
||
|
July 31: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
addressed the mayors of Israel's northern towns on Monday, thanking them
for their leadership in the conflict and asking them to continue their
efforts as the IDF continues its operations:
"These days, the local government in Israel is the central backbone of the home front and is the key to the fortitude of Israeli society at this time of trial. You are withstanding this test - which you stumbled upon unintentionally - in an impressive manner. You, heads of authorities and residents of the north, added a new dimension to the term "deterrence resulting from the fortitude of the home front". Our spirit cannot be broken by attacks against our cities. We will not give up and we will not stop. We will continue to fight until we achieve the objectives and goals which we set for ourselves, and until we bring peace, calm and tranquility to our land."
|
||
|
PM Olmert issues statement |
||
|
July 31: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
issued the following statement on Monday: "Since
the war in Lebanon began, we have reached substantial and important
achievements. Hizbullah suffered a major blow. We succeeded in damaging
the organization's long-range missile system. Hizbullah and its leader
are isolated in both the Lebanese and Arab arenas. This is almost a one
time opportunity to change the rules of the game in Lebanon."
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with PM Blair |
||
|
July 31: On Monday, Prime Minister
Ehud Olmert spoke with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who telephoned in
order to be updated on the situation in Lebanon regarding the stationing
of a multi-national force. Prime Minister Olmert said that Israel was interested that an effective multinational force deploy along the Blue Line and at the border crossings between Syria and Lebanon. The Prime Minister added that it would be possible to implement a ceasefire immediately upon the deployment of the force.
|
||
|
US President Bush rejects cease-fire, calls for sustainable peace |
||
|
July 31: US President Bush
issued a statement on Monday in which he rejected calls for an immediate
cease-fire, insisting that any agreement must be conditioned upon
creating a sustainable peace:
"To achieve the peace that we want we must achieve certain clear objectives: Lebanon's democratic government must be empowered to exercise sole authority over its territory. A multinational force must be dispatched to Lebanon quickly so we can help speed the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people. Iran must end its financial support and supply of weapons to terrorist groups like Hezbollah. Syria must end its support for terror and respect the sovereignty of Lebanon. This approach will make it possible what so many around the world want to see: the end of Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, the return of the Israeli soldiers taken hostage by the terrorists, the suspension of Israel's operations in Lebanon and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces."
|
||
|
Israel agrees to restrict air strikes over Lebanon for up to 48 hours |
||
|
July 31:
The IDF will restrict air strikes over Lebanon
for up to 48 hours, until the army probe into the Kafr Qana tragedy is
completed. Israel will allow, in coordination with the UN, safe passage
for the residents of south Lebanon wishing to evacuate the area within
24 hours, and will also operate ground and sea corridors for
humanitarian aid.
|
||
|
Hizbullah responsible for civilian casualties in Kafr Qana |
||
|
July 31: Israel
deeply regrets the loss of innocent lives in the conflict with
Hizbullah. Israel does not target civilians, yet is forced to take
decisive action against Hizbullah's ongoing rocket attacks against
Israel’s civilian population. In contrast to Hizbullah's unguided
missile attacks which are intended to kill and wound as many Israeli
civilians as possible, Israel's counterattacks are aimed only at
Hizbullah combatants. In the most recent case in point, on the morning of Sunday, July 30, the Israel Air Force attacked missile launchers in and around Kafr Qana, a village from whose environs dozens of missiles have been launched at the city of Nahariya and other communities in the western Galilee. Residents of Kana and its surroundings were warned repeatedly several days in advance – by radio announcements and by leaflets - to leave the area, pending an imminent attack by the IDF. This concern for the lives of Lebanese civilians who are being cruelly exploited by Hizbullah in its aggression against Israel is an integral part of Israel's combat doctrine, which requires extreme care to be taken to minimize harm to the civilian population - often at the cost of operational advantages. For example, leaflets dropped urging residents to leave Kafr Qana gave Hizbullah prior warning, which reduced Israel’s element of surprise and endangered its own troops.
|
||
|
United States Secretary of State Rice issues statement |
||
|
July 31: On
Monday, United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a
statement regarding the current crisis in the Middle East. She
said, "As I
head back to Washington, I take with me an emerging consensus on what is
necessary for an urgent ceasefire and a lasting settlement. Lebanon,
Israel and the international community agree that an international
Stabilization Force should be deployed."
|
||
|
Defense Minister Peretz addresses Knesset |
||
|
July 31: On Sunday, Defense
Minister Amir Peretz addressed the Knesset regarding the death of
civilians in the current conflict:
"There
is no Israeli commander who will issue an order to hurt uninvolved
civilians. We didn't choose the military option; we have no territorial
conflict on the northern or southern border. This is a war forced on us
after we did everything to prevent it. We can't continue a policy of
shutting our eyes and a double standard differentiating between
sovereignty and responsibility."
|
||
|
Response of Israeli Ambassador Daniel Gillerman to current crisis |
||
|
July 30: On
Sunday, Ambassador Gillerman responded to the United Nations Security
Council: "Those
people, including women and children, who were killed in this horrible
tragic incident may have been killed by Israeli fire but they are the
victims of the Hizbullah. They are the victims of terror. If there were
no Hizbullah this would never have happened."
|
||
|
Israel issues response to International Conference for Lebanon |
||
|
July 26: Israel
joins the international community in its demand, as expressed in Rome
today, to bring about the full and immediate implementation of United
Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 and the G-8 statement of 16
July 2006, which include the demand for the disarming of Hizbullah and
the exercise of the Lebanese government's sovereignty, through its army,
over the entire country.
Israel also stresses the demand of the G-8 for the unconditional release of its abducted soldiers and the cessation of all rocket attacks on Israel
|
||
|
Eight IDF soldiers killed and 22 wounded in clashes with Hizbullah |
||
|
July 26: Eight IDF soldiers of the Golani Brigade were killed and 22 wounded this morning in close-quarter fighting with Hizbullah terrorists in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which IDF infantry and armored corps had surrounded yesterday. Four more were wounded in fighting later in Maroun al-Ras.
|
||
|
Response of Italy's PM Prodi to Hizbullah attack |
||
|
July 26: Italian Prime Minister issued a statement at the
International Conference for Lebanon in Rome, condemning terrorism while
pledging support for peace in Lebanon and security in Israel: "We
are here today to work together in order to give back peace and
stability to Lebanon in a framework providing security for Israel."
|
||
|
International Conference for Lebanon issues statement |
||
|
July 26: Members of the International Conference expressed
deep concern about the situation in Lebanon and the violence in the
Middle East, recognized the need for urgent and substantial humanitarian
assistance, and discussed concrete steps that would allow a free,
independent and democratic Lebanon to exercise effective control over
all of its territory.
Israel stresses the demand of the G-8 for the implementation of UN Resolution 1559, for the unconditional release of its abducted soldiers, and for the cessation of all rocket attacks on Israel.
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with Secretary-General Kofi Annan |
||
|
July 26:
This morning, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke with UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan and expressed his deep regret over the accidental killing of
four UNIFIL soldiers in Lebanon. The Prime Minister said that he would
instruct the IDF to hold a comprehensive inquiry into the event and
would share the results with the UN Secy.-Gen. Prime Minister Olmert also expressed his reservations over Secy.-Gen. Annan's statement yesterday that the Israeli action in Lebanon was deliberate; he added that it was inconceivable that the error that was made would be defined by the UN as an action that seemed deliberate.
|
||
|
Summary of IDF activity in the Gaza Strip |
||
|
July 26:
IDF ground forces entered the northern Gaza Strip during the night and
are operating there as part of the operation to stop Hamas from
launching rockets at Israel and to destroy terror infrastructure in the
area. The IDF operation is directed solely against the Gaza Strip's terror infrastructure. The IDF will make every effort in order to prevent civilian casualties, and continues to stress to the civilian Palestinian population that, for their own safety, civilians should stay clear of combat zones. During the night the IDF carried out aerial attacks against a building in the city of Rafah used by Hamas to store weapons, and a Hamas weapons facility in Jabaliya. Prior to the attacks on these terror facilities, in order to ensure the safety of the residents of the Gaza Strip, the IDF warned the population not to stay in structures that are used by terrorist organizations for storing weaponry.
|
||
|
15-year old girl killed in Hizbullah rocket attack |
||
|
July 25: A 15-year-old girl was killed when a rocket struck a home near a mosque in the Galilee village of Maghar, home to Druze, Christian Arabs and Muslims. Close to 50 people were wounded throughout northern Israel as Hizbullah renewed its rocket attacks, including downtown Haifa, where an elderly man died of a heart attack as he ran towards a bomb shelter upon hearing a warning siren.
|
||
|
FM Livni's Newsweek interview |
||
|
July 25: In an interview for the July
31 issue of Newsweek, FM Livni commented on the current situation in
Lebanon. She said that Israel could not accept UN Secretary-General Annan's call for an immediate ceasefire, and that Hizbullah "represents
the Iranian interests and is part of the axis of hatred and terror of
Hizbullah, Syria, Iran and Hamas."
|
||
|
PM Olmert meets with U.S. Secretary of State Rice |
||
|
July 25: On Tuesday, PM Olmert and
U.S. Secretary of State Rice met in Jerusalem. In his statement, PM Olmert told
Rice that "...we are not fighting the Lebanese
government, and we are not fighting the Lebanese people…but
Hizbullah is a brutal terrorist organization, manipulated, operated,
sponsored, financed, equipped and inspired by countries which are not
interested in any major development in our part of the world…and we will
not hesitate to take the most severe measures against those who are
aiming thousands of missiles and missiles against innocent civilians…" Secretary Rice, in her statement, replied that "while we must respond immediately and urgently to the humanitarian needs, we of course urgently want also to end the violence so that innocent people can return to a free life. We need to do that, of course, in a way that is enduring. And that means that we cannot return to a status quo ante, in which extremists at any time can decide to take innocent life hostage again, by using their missiles or using their capabilities."
|
||
|
U.S. Secretary of State Rice arrives in Jerusalem |
||
|
July 24: U.S. Secretary of State Rice arrived in
Jerusalem on Monday after a surprise trip to Lebanon to meet with
officials there. Upon arrival, Rice announced that
"any peace is going to have to be based on
enduring principles and not on temporary solutions. The international
community does have a way forward. A Middle East that is peaceful and
democratic will be a Middle East in which peace is sustainable."
|
||
|
FM Livni issues statement on U.S. Secretary of State Rice's arrival |
||
|
July 24: FM Livni issued a
statement upon the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Rice's arrival in Jerusalem,
warning against any potential proposal of an immediate cease-fire: "
This is a moment of truth for the government
of Lebanon and for the international community. A cease-fire alone will
create a vacuum that Hizbullah will fill with more terrorism."
|
||
|
PM Olmert: the operation will lead to a change in the North |
||
|
July 24: PM Olmert toured southern
Israel on Monday, addressing the base commander and pilots serving at
the Hatzor Air Force base: "Nasrallah made a mistake. If he would have thought and would have known that this would be our reaction, he would have responded and acted differently. He has delegitimized himself throughout the entire world. The international response and the changes in the Arab world will - I believe - allow us to…build a model solution that will significantly weaken and isolate Hizbullah. In the end, this operation will lead to a significant change for the residents of the north."
|
||
|
IDF soldiers wounded in clash with Hizbullah terrorists |
||
|
July 24: 13 soldiers were wounded in heavy exchanges of fire between IDF forces and Hizbullah terrorists near the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, which had become Hizbullah's main base of terror operations since Israel's withdrawal in 2000. Two Hizbullah terrorists were taken captive. Two pilots were wounded Monday afternoon when their Apache helicopter crashed north of Safed near the Lebanese border while in the midst of a mission to assist ground troops.
|
||
|
IDF issues summary of activity in the Gaza Strip |
||
|
July 24: Early on Monday, the IDF carried
out aerial attacks against an Islamic Jihad facility used for the
manufacturing and storage of missiles and ammunition and a Hamas
structure used to manufacture Qassam rockets, in Gaza City. From now on, the IDF intends to attack weapon storage facilities, including those located in houses, and the sites from which rockets are being launched and terror attacks are dispatched, against the citizens of Israel. The IDF is operating with restraint in order to reduce the risk to the Palestinian population. The operation is aimed at terror organizations, headed by Hamas, at the cells who launch rockets at Israel and the terror infrastructure, that have turned the Gaza Strip in into a terror zone.
|
||
|
PM Olmert meets with German FM Steinmeier |
||
|
July 23: On Sunday, PM Olmert met with German FM Steinmeier to
thank him and Chancellor Merkel for
"their
aggressive stand against terrorism, for the cooperation, for their
concern and assistance and for their willingness to work with us in
order stop murderous Hizbullah terrorism that is promoted by Iran and
Syria." FM Steinmeier
said that
Germany supports the establishment of a properly composed multi-national
force with teeth in order to assist the implementation of UN Security
Council Resolution #1559. PM Olmert responded that Israel would
consider a capable EU force with a mandate that
includes control of the crossings between Lebanon and Syria, deployment
in southern Lebanon and assistance to the Lebanese Army, and especially
the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution #1559 and the
disarming of Hizbullah.
|
||
|
US Secretary of State Rice visits Middle East and Rome |
||
|
July 21: US Secretary of State Rice issued a special briefing on
her trip to the Middle East and Rome on Friday. She will travel to
Israel and the Palestinian territories to meet with PM Olmert and with
President Abbas. She will also travel to Rome to meet with the
Lebanon Core Group, with
whom she said "we will continue working to provide immediate
humanitarian relief to the people of Lebanon. We urgently seek an end to
the current violence. More than that, we seek to address the root causes
of that violence so that a real and endurable peace can be
established... A ceasefire would be a false promise if it simply returns
us to the status quo, allowing terrorists to launch attacks at the time
and terms of their choosing and to threaten innocent people, Arab and
Israeli, throughout the region."
|
||
|
Israel approves establishment of "humanitarian corridor" between Lebanon and Cyprus; Ambassador Gillerman assures UN of Israel's cooperation in addressing humanitarian concerns |
||
|
July 20/21: PM Olmert, DM Peretz and
FM Livni approved late Thursday the establishment of a "humanitarian
corridor" between Lebanon and Cyprus. On Friday, Israel's
ambassador to the UN, Dan Gillerman, addressed the Security Council,
assuring UN officials that "a two-way 'humanitarian corridor' to meet
the needs of those affected on the Lebanese side, has been established."
|
||
|
IDF and ISA activity at the Mukata compound in Nablus |
||
|
July 20: In a joint IDF and ISA operation, IDF forces surrounded
the Mukata compound in the city of Nablus, used by the Palestinian
Authority's security apparatuses in an effort to remove wanted
Palestinians that have been staying in facilities belonging to the
Palestinian security apparatuses in Nablus, against the wishes of the
commanders of these security apparatuses. These wanted Palestinians
belong to different terrorist organizations and have been engaged in the
planning of terrorist attacks. Among them are a number of senior wanted terrorists under the command of Hizbullah leadership in Lebanon; their presence is a part of Hizbullah's attempts to undermine the activity of Palestinian security forces in Nablus and to gain control over the Palestinian Authority's government institutions.
|
||
|
Two soldiers killed in clash with Hizbullah |
||
|
July 19:
St.-Sgt. Yonatan Hadasi, 21, of Kibbutz Merhavia and St.-Sgt. Yotam
Gilboa, 21, of Kibbutz Maoz Haim were killed and nine soldiers
were wounded in exchanges of fire between IDF and Hizbullah in south
Lebanon, near Moshav Avivim. The Israeli force had crossed the border to
destroy the Hizbullah rocket-launching position at the former IDF
outpost of Shaked.
|
||
|
Two children killed in Katyusha attack on Nazareth |
||
|
July 19:
Rabia Abed Taluzi (3) and his brother Mahmoud (7) who were playing
soccer outside their house were killed and dozens were wounded in two
Katyusha rocket attacks on the predominantly Arab city of Nazareth.
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with Senior EU Envoy Solana |
||
|
July 19:
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met today (Wednesday), 19 July 2006, with
European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security
Policy Javier Solana and expressed his appreciation for the EU's
position as expressed by the EU member state Foreign Ministers.
|
||
|
PM Olmert speaks with Canadian PM Harper |
||
|
July 19: PM Olmert telephoned Canadian PM Harper to both express
his appreciation for Canada's statements of support for Israel in the
campaign against Hizbullah and Hamas, and to also thank his Canadian
counterpart for the latter's role in bringing about the recent G-8
declaration.
|
||
|
Israeli economy remains stable and will continue to grow |
||
|
July 18: The Israeli modern and hi-tech oriented economy is dynamic
and strong, based on the combination of a solid industrial base and a
responsible governmental monetary and fiscal policy. Enjoying a
rapid growth of 5.3% in 2005 and over 6% in the first quarter of 2006,
the Israel economy is on a very positive path, and the current events
will have only limited and short time effects.
|
||
|
IDF concludes operation in Beit Hanun |
||
|
July 18: IDF engineering, armor, and infantry forces last night
concluded Operation Final Grade in the city of Beit Hanun, in the
northern Gaza Strip, as part of IDF's continuing efforts to quash the
terror threat in Gaza.
|
||
|
Katyushas fall throughout northern Israel, kill man in Nahariya |
||
|
July 18: Massive rocket barrage hits northern Israel after several quiet hours: Two houses in Nahariya were directly hit by rockets; one man was killed and about 30 were injured. At least six rockets landed in the Haifa area, and Carmiel, Tiberias, Safed, Maalot and Rosh Pina were also hit. A total of thirteen Israelis have been killed in rocket attacks since fighting in north began.
|
||
|
FM Livni meets with UN team |
||
|
July
18: "While we
continue to act to defend our citizens, we intend to cooperation with
the international community, with a view to ensuring a successful and
effective resolution of the crisis."
|
||
|
PM Olmert's Address to Knesset |
||
|
July 17:
"All of us - Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Circassians - now
stand as one person, as one nation, subject together to the same hatred
and malice, and fighting against it in consensus and partnership. When
missiles are launched at our residents and cities, our answer will be
war with all the strength, determination, valor, sacrifice and
dedication which characterize this nation. There is nothing we want more
than peace and good neighborly relations - in the east, north and
south. We seek peace, we pursue peace and we yearn for peace. At the
same time, there is nothing we reject more than an attempt to harm us
and make us give up our right to live here, in our land, in security and
peace."
|
||
|
Response of European Union to Hizbullah attacks |
||
|
July 17: "The EU condemns the
attacks by
Hizbullah
on Israel and the abduction of two Israeli
soldiers. It calls for their immediate and unconditional release and for
the cessation of all attacks on Israeli towns and cities. The EU recalls
the need for the Lebanese state to restore its sovereignty over the
whole of its national territory and to do its utmost to prevent such
attacks."
|
||
|
Hezbollah hits Israel Railways depot in Haifa, kills 8 |
||
|
July 16:
Eight employees of Israel Railways were killed in a direct hit at
the Haifa train depot Sunday morning. Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz
said that the more advanced Fajar missiles fired at Haifa were made in
Syria.
|
||
|
Response of G-8 to Hizbullah attack |
||
|
July 16: "The
immediate crisis results from efforts by extremist forces to destabilize
the region and to frustrate the aspirations of the Palestinian, Israeli
and Lebanese people for democracy and peace."
|
||
|
Response of US President Bush to Hizbullah attack |
||
|
July 16: "This
recent flare-up helps clarify a root cause of instability in the Middle
East - and that is Hizbullah and Hizbullah's relationship with Syria,
Hizbullah's relationship to Iran, and Syria's relationship to Iran.
Therefore, in order to solve this problem it's really important for the
world to address the root cause."
|
||
|
Response of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Hizbullah attack |
||
|
July 13: "A
difference should be drawn between legitimate resistance and rash
adventures carried out by elements inside Lebanon and those behind them
without consultation with the legitimate authority in their state or
coordination with Arab countries, thus creating a gravely dangerous
situation exposing all Arab countries to destruction. The Kingdom views
that it is time that these elements alone bear the full responsibility
of these irresponsible acts and shoulder the burden of ending the crisis
they have created."
|
||
|
Katyushas fall throughout northern Israel, kill woman in Netanya |
||
|
July 13: So far, one woman was
killed in Nahariya and over 70 have been wounded throughout the day
by Hizbullah-fired Katyusha rockets, which are falling on
locations throughout northern Israel.
|
||
|
PM Olmert welcomes Japanese PM Koizumi |
||
|
July 12:
Following are Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's remarks this morning at the
welcoming ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi: "Israel and Japan have much in common; we are two democracies with a long tradition of seeking peace and with common values. Bilateral relations are strong and we intend to develop them further. At our meeting, we will discuss how to do this; we will consider the possibility of establishing joint forums to assist in advancing relations in all fields."
|
||
|
Israel condemns Mumbai terrorist attacks |
||
|
July 12:
Israel condemns yesterday's terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, and
expresses its anguish at the deaths and wounding of so many. These
attacks were aimed at the indiscriminate murder of innocent civilians. Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of India at their loss from these heinous attacks.
|
||
|
Hizbullah kidnaps two, kills eight |
||
|
July 12: Hizbullah terrorists
attacked two IDF armored jeeps patrolling the border with Lebanon,
killing eight soldiers and kidnapping two. Four of the soldiers were
killed when their tank hit a mine and exploded. Another was killed when
IDF troops entered Lebanon to try to retrieve the bodies of the tank
crew. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz confirmed Thursday (July
13) that the kidnapped reserve soldiers are alive. They are: Ehud
Goldwasser, 31, of Nahariya, and Eldad Regev, 26, of Kiryat Motzkin.
|
||
|
Statement by FM Livni on Hizbullah attack from Lebanon |
||
|
July 12:
"Hizbullah
is a terrorist organization, which is part of the Lebanese government.
The international community, including the Security Council, has
demanded, repeatedly, time and again, that the government of Lebanon
dismantle Hizbullah. Lebanon has failed to act and today’s aggression is
the result."
|
||
|
Two soldiers kidnapped by Hizbullah on northern border |
||
|
July 12: On
Wednesday morning (July 12), Hizbullah terrorists attacked two IDF
armored jeeps patrolling the border, kidnapping two soldiers and
wounding others. Hizbullah also launched massive shelling attacks along
Israel's northern border, wounding both soldiers and civilians. Northern
residents have entered bomb shelters. Defense Minister Amir Peretz
demanded the Lebanese government act immediately to resolve the crisis.
PM Olmert will convene the security cabinet.
|
||
|
Israel upgrades humanitarian response |
||
|
July 11:
Israel's Foreign Ministry has established a high-level humanitarian
contact team for the donor and relief community as part of the effort to
address the humanitarian aspects of the ongoing situation in Gaza. "Despite the complex context that the ongoing Palestinian terror places us in, we do not want to see the Palestinian people suffering and we do not want the relief organizations to lack for anything in their work", remarked Director General Aaron Abramovich. "If we are to achieve this common goal, it is important that we listen to each other and work together with maximum transparency and maximum constructiveness."
|
||
|
Transcript of press conference with PM Olmert |
||
|
July 10:
The
main purpose of the Israeli operation in Gaza is twofold: To take
measures in order to allow the release of the Israeli kidnapped soldier,
and to stop the Kassam missiles.
|
||
|
MASHAV: Spotlight on 2005 |
||
| July 10: In 2005, MASHAV was active in 108 countries, training thousands of participants in courses focusing on human capacity building. The courses, taught in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic, were offered in a wide range of disciplines, including Ag |
