Israel's actions result not just from a border incident and from Hizbullah's unprovoked attack inside Israel against Israeli soldiers, two of whom were kidnapped. Israel's military operation is being carried out against the real and tangible threat - not just a potential threat, but one that has materialized - by Hizbullah against civilian communities, towns, and cities throughout northern Israel.
Hizbullah, a terrorist organization dedicated to Israel's destruction, which is in control of southern Lebanon, has ten thousand missiles targeted against Israel and has used them on more than one occasion. This could not be ignored by Israel. Hizbullah's massive use of these missiles during the past week, causing deaths and destruction in Israel, makes Israel's actions necessary.
The threat and confrontation posed by Hizbullah has enjoyed the backing of the government of Lebanon (as well as Syria and Iran, for whom Hizbullah serves as a proxy). Hizbullah could not have obtained the missiles and military equipment at its disposal had the Lebanese government not allowed this weaponry to reach Lebanon. Hizbullah's threat along Israel's border would not have been possible were it not for the failure of the Lebanese government to deploy its forces in southern Lebanon.
Anything that facilitates and serves Hizbullah, in terms of the real and tangible threat it poses to Israel, is a legitimate target. For example, Beirut International Airport has served as a conduit for the transfer of weapons and the arrival of instructors from Iran. The bridges in northern and southern Lebanon serve as channels for transporting Hizbullah weapons and personnel. The same is true of the Beirut-Damascus Highway.
In May 2000 Israel took the politically difficult decision to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon. Israel has shown restraint for over six years. One should ask: What would other states do when confronted with a threat of this magnitude?