As eyes are turned to Lebanon’s upcoming elections, with predictions that Hizbullah will earn an increasingly prominent representation in the next government, Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated that such a reality will work to Israel’s benefit. Hizbullah forming a government or playing a major role in a coalition will expose the terrorist organization for what it is, and permit the IDF to act accordingly, more so than in the past, stated Barak.

A senior unnamed source quoted by the daily Yisrael HaYom states that unlike in the past, if Hizbullah’s control in Lebanon becomes formidable, Israel will respond to aggression from Lebanon directly, which has not been the case to date.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu recently stated that a Hizbullah win in the election is reason for concern for Israel, adding Jerusalem will take the “appropriate measures”.

Barak insists that if Hizbullah grows from its current position, representing about one-third of the government ministers, the terror organization will be increasingly predisposed to IDF operations. “It will give a free operational hand, a situation that did not exist in the 2006 Second Lebanon War” stated Barak.

The defense minister added Hizbullah is an arm of Iran, and the recent connection pointing to Hizbullah’s involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri attests to this.

Regarding North Korea’s recent underground nuclear test, he stated, “It shows that words and sanction to not prevent recalcitrant regimes from endangering the peace of the world and it is a warning sign for the entire world to wake up.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)