Lebanon Offensive Criticized in Israel

An Israeli armed military vehicle moves along the border fence with Lebanon during operations to extract an injured Israeli soldier in northern Israel Wednesday July 26, 2006. Israel on Wednesday suffered its heaviest losses in Lebanon in its offensive against Hezbollah, with militants killing eight soldiers in a battle for a key town. A top Israeli commander said he expected the campaign to last "several more weeks."(AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) (David Guttenfelder - AP)

Among the questions raised were whether the military operation included an exit strategy and took into consideration the scope of rocket fire at Israeli towns, and whether the army has the ability to crush Hezbollah. They also questioned whether the military was prepared for guerrilla warfare on enemy land.

The military countered such concerns, calling for Israel to unite behind its soldiers.

"There are difficult days like this and the army I think is operating with determination, the soldiers are acting with courage," said Maj. Gen. Udi Adam, chief of Israel's northern command. "There is no doubt about their abilities and I think at this time we have to strengthen them because they are the ones who have successes and prevent terrorism."

But Danny Yatom, a retired general and Labor Party legislator, said the operation's initial goals were too grandiose and the government now realizes that wiping out Hezbollah is no longer realistic.

"This campaign will not be won by knockout, but by points," he said.

Brig. Gen. Miri Regev, the army's chief spokeswoman, told Israel Television that while Israel has hurt Hezbollah, it would not be able to stop the rocket fire completely.

Israeli military analyst Shlomo Brom said it was too early to say whether any strategic mistakes had been made in the offensive. He did, however, say there was something wrong in the way the political leadership was relaying its message to the people.

"They aren't telling the public where we are going, what are the realistic aims and how we are going about achieving them," he said.