The rocket fire from Lebanon caused no injuries, but sent residents scurrying to bomb shelters. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed guerrilla group that fought a month long war with Israel in 2006, denied involvement in last week's attack, and speculation focused on small Palestinian groups.
Lebanese security officials said the Israeli army fired at least eight artillery shells on south Lebanon in response. There were no reports of Lebanese injuries from the retaliatory fire.
The Israeli military said it targeted the source of the rockets, and that it regarded the Lebanese government and military responsible for preventing attacks on Israel. The government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora condemned the attack.
Israel repeatedly has said it does not seek renewed fighting with Lebanon, but is prepared for hostilities along the northern border. The Muslim world has expressed outrage over Israel's Gaza offensive, and in a new condemnation Wednesday, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden urged Muslims to launch a holy war against Israel. (...)
Palestinian rocket fire has dropped off dramatically since the offensive began. Twelve rockets were fired at Israel on Wednesday, down from as many as 80 a day early in the operation.
Israel is trying to keep up the pressure on Hamas to accept Israel's truce terms: A complete cessation of violence from Gaza and international guarantees of a halt in the smuggling of weapons into Gaza through the porous Egyptian border.
The 'Palestinian groups' the article refers to are under Hezbollah's orders, and nothing happens in Lebanon without Hezbollah's okay. period. The real question is, will Iran order Hezbollah to open up a second front to save Hamas?
I have my doubts, but we'll have to see. My gut feeling is that this is a morale booster to convince Hamas to hang on, but Hezbollah takes it's orders from Iran, and when the mullahs say sing, Hezbollah's Sheik Nasrallah says 'hey, name that tune!'
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