SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS

Yediot Ahronot says that the current fighting enjoys such considerable public support, both from traditional doves and traditional hawks, because it is viewed as having been forced on us. The editors suggest that, „A rational dove has to be a potential hawk and Hizbullah drew from the doves their maximum latent hawkish potential.”

Hatzofeh notes the beginning of expanded IDF ground operations in southern Lebanon and says that, „The IDF does not have all the time in the world like the politicians are promising us; they should start looking at their watches.”
HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
HA’ARETZ
1. Approximately 200 Katyushas fired at northern communities; IDF expands operations in southern Lebanon.
US: APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK TO CONCLUDE FIGHTING.
2. HAMAS IN GAZA AGREES IN PRINCIPLE TO HALT FIRING AT ISRAEL.
3. Battle for Maroun Al-Ras: (….).
„EGOZ” RECONAISSANCE UNIT RETURNS TO LEBANON AND TAKES FIRST CASUALTIES.
4. Nahariya: Heaviest barrage to date.
FIFTY-FOUR KATYUSHAS IN ONE DAY AND CITY IS CERTAIN THAT FINISH LINE IS FAR OFF.
HATZOFEH
1. Village from which Hizbullah conducted harsh battles occupied over weekend.
IDF TALES CONTROL OF MAROUN AL-RAS VILLAGE.
Aerial and ground fighting against Hizbullah continued throughout weekend. Allowed for publication: Fifth soldier killed in fighting for village. Over 150 Katyushas fired at northern communities over the Sabbath.
2. PALESTINIANS: KASSAM FIRE TO BE HALTED IN COMING DAYS.
(…).

MA’ARIV
1. IDF calls up thousands of reservists ahead of expansion of ground operation.
UN DELEGATION PROPOSES: DEMILITARIZED SECURITY ZONE.
According to proposal, 20-km demilitarized zone to be set north of border. Political leadership decides to limit ground campaign: No massive incursion – only pinpoint operations.
2. FIGHTERS WENT BACK TO RESCUE DEAD COMRADE’S BODY.
Body left behind during fighting for Maroun Al-Ras. Egoz Reconnaissance Unit fighters returned yesterday and rescued the body.
3. TEMPORARY CEASEFIRE ON SOUTHERN FRONT.
Goal: Deal for Shalit’s return.
4. IDF PREPARING TO TAKE PRISONERS AS BARGAINING CHIPS.
Preparing prisoners for Lebanese colleagues.

YEDIOT AHRONOT
1. Operation underway: Ground chapter of assault on Lebanon begins.
RAID ON HIZBULLAHLAND.
Order given at 02:00 – Paratroopers and armored forces penetrated Lebanon and took control of Maroun Al-Ras. Next steps: Cleaning out Hizbullah strongholds and attrition of Tyre, from where Katyushas are being fired at Haifa. Thousands of reservists receive emergency call-up orders. US to supply Israel with bunker-busters. Weekend: Approximately 200 Katyushas fired at northern communities. Tomorrow: US Secy. of state arriving in Israel.
2. „”WE’RE NOT LEAVING UNTIL WE FIND HIM,”
Commander told his men who looked for body of fallen comrade. (…).
BreuerPress-info