Israel Matzav

More on Maroun Ras

Here's an interview with the commander of the IDF operation in Lebanon, GOC Northern Command Major General Udi Adam regarding what the IDF found in Maroun Ras:

GOC Northern Command Major General Udi Adam said Friday that Israel is at war and that human life is important, but now is not the time to count the dead.

The Northern Command believes that the fighting in the north will continue for several more weeks, with additional casualties and fatalities.

"We must change our way of thinking. Human life is important, but we are at war, and it costs human lives. We won't count the dead at present, only at the end. We'll cry for the dead and will encourage the fighters. There are more places like Maroun Ras, and unfortunately we'll have to reach them."

Adam refused to disclose details on the number of ground forces operating in southern Lebanon. According to Adam, the operation includes "many" soldiers, but is not a "massive" incursion.

Adam said that 20 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in south Lebanon during clashes in recent days. Four Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed in the clashes Thursday.

According to Adam, soldiers in the village of Maroun Ras found a stockpile of Katyusha rockets in a mosque, as well as weapons used by the militants.

He said that rockets were fired from the vicinity of Maroun Ras at Safed and Tiberias, and that the IDF ground operation in the area may have been one of the factors for fewer Katyusha rockets fired at Israel on Thursday.

When asked about concerns that Israel would sink in the Lebanese mud, Adam said, "I suggest that everyone exercise patience. This is not a short story, but it is not never-ending."

Pointing at a nearby mountain range, Adam said, "Until a week ago, there were Hezbollah militants in this area, and now there aren't." He went on to say that in nine days of fighting, a great deal of Hezbollah infrastructure had been damaged.

Once again, the Arabs are using their 'holy places' to stockpile weapons. Not a surprise at this point.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:35 AM