'Israel warns Lebanon of massive war'

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:00:29 GMT | PressTV.ir Israel has reportedly threatened Lebanon with massive aerial bombardment as it continues a deadly full-scale offensive against the Gaza Strip. According to the Lebanese daily al-Nahar, Tel Aviv has warned Lebanon against the recent rocket attacks on its northern border, vowing to launch a war against the country if such an incident happens again. Several rockets were fired from the Lebanese border into Israel; as the second such attack in less than a week, on Wednesday. Tel Aviv also responded by firing a barrage of rockets into the country. Whie Beirut condemned the rocket attacks, no one has yet claimed responsibility. Hezbollah has also dismissed involvement in the attacks, saying it has no plans to engage in a conflict with Israel. The attack came after Israel launched its Operation Cast Lead against the Gaza Strip on December 27 and escalated the offensive into a ground incursion after a week. Tel Aviv has also put its forces on high alert along the Lebanese border, calling up thousands of its reserve troops. Tel Aviv had formerly notified the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that it was about to attack the country after the rocket attacks came but it had changed its mind upon international advice, daily As-Safir reported. This is while Israel rejected a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying it will not allow any foreign forces to decide for Tel Aviv. The nonstop war on the populated territory has so far claimed at least 1,100 Palestinian lives and left more than 4,700 people wounded. Many victims of the massive offensive are civilians according to the UN and aid agencies.

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