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War on Terror

Israel: We will change Middle East realities

DM Peretz: Israel surprised Hizb'allah with resilience


By Ryan Jones
July 16, 2006

Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz Sunday vowed Israel would continue to take the fight to Hizb'allah and its sponsors until present realities are altered, and said the Lebanese terror group had been surprised by Israel's ferocious response and resilience.

Said Peretz during a press conference:

"We do not plan to end this war before reality is transformed. We will change the situation as I have stated ? the terrorists will no longer be sitting on Israel's northern border. They will not be allowed to continue to purchase arms and missiles. We will no longer turn a blind eye to the axis of evil and terror."

But the defense minister also said Israel would gauge its response by how much war its people indicate they are ready to stomach.

"We plan to act in accordance with the message we will get from the Israeli public."

So far, that message has been one of strength and resilience, to the surprise of Israel's enemies.

"Hizb'allah is very surprised. ...They are surprised by the resilience of the home front; they are surprised because they do not hear the Israeli public panicking and calling on its government to call off the operation. On the contrary, Hizb'allah sees before it a united country and it is vital that this resilience continues, because it will determine the outcome of the entire war."

Peretz heaped special praise on the besieged residents of Israel's northern regions, and said Israel's future was in their hands and would be largely decided by the level of their fortitude.

"I am proud of the residents of the north and of the expressions of solidarity here. This determination will help us win this battle. This will decide Israel's future."

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