Israel OKs call-up of 30,000 reservists [View All]

[Jim Warren]

The Long War?

JERUSALEM -
Israel's government decided Thursday not to expand its battle with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon for now, but authorized the army to call up 30,000 reserve soldiers in case the fighting intensifies. Lebanese officials estimated a civilian death toll as high as 600.

With Hezbollah allies Iran and Syria reportedly meeting in Damascus to discuss the crisis, Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice said she was "willing and ready" to return to the region to work for a sustainable peace agreement.
But President Bush suggested he would support the offensive for as long as it takes to cripple Hezbollah. He also sharply condemned Iran for its support of the Shiite Muslim militant group.

The callup signaled that Israel was settling in for a much longer battle than had initially been expected, one that could grow far bloodier if Israel decides its air attacks and small-scale invasion into Lebanon are not working and sends in thousands of more ground forces.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060728/ap_on_re_mi_ea/lebanon_israel