As eyes are turned to Lebanon�s upcoming elections, with predictions that Hizbullah will earn an increasingly prominent representation in the next government, Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated that such a reality will work to Israel�s benefit. Hizbullah forming a government or playing a major role in a coalition will expose the terrorist organization for what it is, and permit the IDF to act accordingly, more so than in the past, stated Barak.
A senior unnamed source quoted by the daily Yisrael HaYom states that unlike in the past, if Hizbullah�s control in Lebanon becomes formidable, Israel will respond to aggression from Lebanon directly, which has not been the case to date.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu recently stated that a Hizbullah win in the election is reason for concern for Israel, adding Jerusalem will take the �appropriate measures�.
Barak insists that if Hizbullah grows from its current position, representing about one-third of the government ministers, the terror organization will be increasingly predisposed to IDF operations. �It will give a free operational hand, a situation that did not exist in the 2006 Second Lebanon War� stated Barak.
The defense minister added Hizbullah is an arm of Iran, and the recent connection pointing to Hizbullah�s involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri attests to this.
Regarding North Korea�s recent underground nuclear test, he stated, �It shows that words and sanction to not prevent recalcitrant regimes from endangering the peace of the world and it is a warning sign for the entire world to wake up.�
(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)
