Israel categorically rejected Hizballah’s proposal of a “limited reprisal” to close the books on the IDF’s weekend attacks in Beirut and East Lebanon. The offer, as a formula for averting a general flareup of hostilities, was made during an exchange of back-channel messages on Tuesday, Aug. 27. However, as DEBKAfile’s military and intelligence sources reveal here, it was flatly rejected by Israel who replied unequivocally that any Hizballah attack on a military or civilian target -“limited” or not – would elicit a crushing Israeli blow against its forces in Lebanon. For added muscle, the Israeli Air Force has been maintaining a round-the-clock presence over Lebanon, ready to strike Hizballah for any aggression without delay.Remember, Israel launched a massive air and artillery campaign against Hezbollah during the first week of the 2006 war. Had they ended the effort then, the Israelis could have walked away claiming success.
Given that the Israelis smash everything Hamas every time Hamas attacks, their threat to unleash hell in Lebanon is quite credible.
Exit question: would the Israelis test new gizmos, tactics, etc, or hold them back for the big show?
Follow up: would the Israelis turn this into the big show?
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