Israel Matzav

Olmert: Without soldiers, no implementation of 1701

I'd like to try to understand this statement. Last night, Prime Minister Olmert told Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov that "until the kidnapped soldiers are released, there will not be full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701. Israel is implementing its side of the resolution, and thus, Lebanon must do the same and release the two kidnapped soldiers immediately."

If that statement is supposed to be a threat, it's a pretty empty one, since Israel has already implemented everything it was required to do under 1701 except for lifting the naval blockade, which it committed to do once European troops are ready to guard the coast, and except for completing its withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which it has committed to do once 5000 foreign troops are in place. Notice that the kidnapped soldiers' release is not a condition to either of those items.

If the statement is not meant as a threat, then what is it? Crying over spilt milk?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:25 PM