Olivier Guitta draws our attention to some important overlooked news reagrding the conflict underway on Osarel's borders, at the Counterterrorism Blog:

1— According to Israeli Channel 10, Hezbollah was able to hack into the Israeli Army's computer systems prior to the attack.

2— For the first time, Israel mentioned the possible intervention of Iranian Revolutionary Guards based in Lebanon in the war. The danger is that they have long range rockets capable of travelling more than 200 kms and reach Tel Aviv.

3— That's why Yossi Peled, ex Israeli Commander of the Northern area, stated to Yediot Aharonot: "Tsahal's mission is today to strike at Hezbollah with such force that the movement won't survive. Even though Iran is hiding behind Hezbollah, we must focus on the immediate threats against Israel. And those are coming from Hezbollah, Lebanon and Syria."

4— The Hezbollah action was most probably coordinated with Hamas, Iran and Syria. The recent meetings in Damascus and Tehran between all the parties involved is a clear sign of that careful planning. A Hamas leader based in Lebanon, Osama Hamdane, stated that the nature of the relation betwen Hamas and Hezbollah leads to mutual understanding and coordination.

5— Sheikh Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader declared that "the enemy is stuck between Gaza and Lebanon and we are preparing unexpected surprises for him." He also called for Iraqis to step up their resistance against the American invader. Finally he threatened his fellow Lebanese who " by their behaviors will provide cover for the enemy". He also warned the "Lebanese media who will undermine the morale of the resistance."

6— Plenty of Lebanese MPs have been quite vocal in criticizing Hezbollah's actions. The most common expression summarizing the situation for politicians, pundits and laymen is :" Hezbollah opened the gates of Hell." Most commentators, except on Shia radio and TV stations, are also putting the blame on Syria and Iran.

7— How are people on the street reacting ? Hezbollah is quickly losing popularity in Lebanon. Most of the Lebanese observers expected a very very quiet summer because a truce had been agreed on by all parties inside and outside government, including Hezbollah. This is the highest touristic season for Lebanon and everybody was waiting to rack the profits from this season.

So Lebanese are upset not only because of the Israeli retaliation, which most non Shias blame on Hizbullah, but also because it hits them right where it hurts: in their wallets. The other victim of this unpopularity is Christian General Aoun who decided a few months ago against all odds to side with Hezbollah.  Of course let's not forget Syria which is hated even more than before if that was possible because of its major implication in the current escalation of violence.

8— The positive aspect in domestic Lebanese politics is that Hezbollah lost a lot of luster and that its disarmement is going to be really a priority issue when the situation cools down, if it does anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Clarice Feldman draws our attention to other important news:

Miracle of miracles, the Middle East is growing up. Well, at least, the Saudis have determined they can no longer stand by Iran and Syria even symbolically:

Saudi Arabia indicated on Thursday that Hizbullah bore the responsibility for the current crisis in Lebanon, Israel Radio reported.

In an official statement, the Saudi government said that a distinction must be drawn between "legitimate resistance" and "adventurous, irresponsible acts" committed by groups in Lebanon who don't recognize the government and don't coordinate with other Arab nations.

The statement said that these groups must take responsibility and solve the crisis themselves.

Clarice Feldman