In the past few weeks UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) forces in South Lebanon have heightened supervision of bridges and passages over the Litani River to deter Hezbollah from moving weapons from the North to the South, particularly in areas bordering Israel.
| Whoa. And it's only been a year and a half. It's the modern day version of "Caesar speed." |
UN forces say UNIFIL commander Maj.-Gen. Claudio Graziano of Italy believes the forces under his control are preventing the entry of heavy weapons into South Lebanon. Israeli officials fear that Lebanon's political instability- the country has not had a president since November 23- will contribute to a renewal of Hezbollah's power.
For several months Hezbollah has been rebuilding itself, especially in the area north of the Litani. New medium- and long-range rocket units have been digging into positions and bases created in this area. The organization makes no secret of the fact that it wants to be able to move freely south of the river as well, as reflected in the major exercise it held a few months ago. Despite Hezbollah's boasts to the effect that the exercise proved that its military might was restored, Israeli sources stress that it was a command exercise only, without the participation of field units. |