Israel Matzav

IDF believes Lebanese Armed Forces will fight against it

The commander of the Druse battalion, which has been deployed on the Lebanese border for the last ten years, believes that in the next war, the Lebanese Armed Forces will fight against the IDF.

Commander of the Herev Battalion Lieutenant-Colonel Shadi Abu Fares oversaw a drill simulating border clashes earlier this week. Abu Fares says that Lebanese troops deployed on the border prevented pro-Palestinian protesters from approaching the border fence on Naksa Day last June, but are unlikely to flee to the north in the next conflict.

"It is our estimate that they will take part in the fighting. They are regarded as the enemy. We have no intention of opening fire at them and they are aware of their responsibilities on the border," Abu Fares told Ynet.

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No other battalion is as familiar with the Lebanese border as the Druze Battalion. Its combatants have spent the last decade deployed in the area.

But even they cann't predict what shape the next conflict will take. "The main scenario we are preparing for is one of infiltration which also entails an abduction threat," Lt. Col. Abu Fares says.

"The war has greatly deterred Hezbollah and Nasrallah is still hiding in bunkers fearing a targeted killing. Since the war Hezbollah has not fired one shot but its men are still hidden on the line."

Yes, I think he's right. It's inconceivable to me that the LAF will stand aside and let Hezbullah do all the fighting. At least the next time, no one can complain when we start treating Lebanon as a state at war with us.

Labels: Hezbullah, Lebanese Armed Forces, Lebanon

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:35 AM