In an address on shabbos before a Beersheva audience, Minister (Likud) Yossi Peled, a retired IDF Northern District Commander warned the next conflict along the northern border with Hizbullah was a matter of time. Peled drew an analogy from the Second Lebanon War, stating no one knew when that would break out either. He stressed that while one cannot say “when”, it is a given that another military conflict with Hizbullah is going to occur.

The Prime Minister’s Office tried to play down the statements from the well-respected retired IDF major-general, emphasizing Israel is not seeking conflict with its neighbors, mentioning Lebanon in particular.

In addition, IDF Northern District Commander Major-General Gadi Eisenkott announced that statements reporting increased tensions along Israel’s northern border are simply “virtual reality”, insisting this is not the case and the border situation remains unchanged.

Eisenkott explained recent training exercises and simulations are just that, part of the military’s routine efforts to maintain a necessary level of preparedness, nothing more, dismissing any reports of imminent warfare. He confirmed reports that Hizbullah has grown significantly stronger since the Second Lebanon War, stating Israel remains prepared.

In a related matter, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon met on Sunday with UN representative Michael Williams on Sunday, spelling out the growing list of Hizbullah and Lebanese violations of regarding United Nations Resolution 1701, the Second Lebanon War ceasefire. The two discussed the situation in Ghajar, the border village living under split jurisdiction.

Ayalon echoed statements released on motzei shabbos by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, that Israel is not seeking a conflict with her neighbors, including Lebanon.

The UK Arabic Language al-Shark al-Awsat newspaper reported that in light of recent IDF maneuvers in the north, Hizbullah has raised it level of operations, expecting an Israeli assault.

Deputy Minister of Defense Matan Vilnai told Israel Radio’s Reshet Bet on Sunday afternoon that while a diplomatic solution to any conflict is preferable, Israel must maintain an effective deterrence level and the IDF can respond to any eventuality.

Regarding Lebanon, Vilnai explained there is no peace but there is a UN resolution instructing both sides how to act to prevent a deterioration in the situation, adding Israel remains ready for any eventuality. On the other side, the outgoing UNIFIL commander accuses Israel of violating the resolution, 1701.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)