A Military and Political Mission

For the first time since its ill-conceived invasion of Lebanon 14 years ago, Israel has sent aircraft to strike at Beirut, targeting the suburban command center of Hezbollah in retaliation for the Iranian-backed group’s recent rocket attacks on northern Israel.

The limited raid, part of a series of assaults on Hezbollah bases and personnel that Israeli military officials said might continue for several days, appears to have had two key aims. One was to remind Lebanon, Syria--which effectively calls the political tune in Lebanon--and Hezbollah that Israel’s armed forces have a long reach. The other was to show Israeli voters, seven weeks before national elections, that Prime Minister Shimon Peres’ government can be tough when security issues are involved. No one, of course, expects this show of force to make an enduring impression on Hezbollah, Syria or, for that matter, the Israeli public. At best it could bring about a pause in the cycle of violence while wounds are licked and the political situation is reassessed.

The White House dusted off and reissued its usual statement calling for restraint on all sides. Secretary of State Warren Christopher chose to put the blame on Hezbollah’s rocket attacks. For reasons of its own, having everything to do with keeping Syria engaged in the peace process, the United States shies away from holding Damascus ultimately accountable for Hezbollah’s behavior. The fact remains that Syria’s army in Lebanon could neutralize Hezbollah any time it’s ordered to do so. Until that happens, the Lebanon-Israel border and points north are likely to remain dangerous.