Israel hints at a full-scale invasion

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Israeli troops met fierce resistance from Hezbollah guerrillas Thursday as they crossed into Lebanon to seek tunnels and weapons for a second straight day, and
Israel hinted at a full-scale invasion.

Israeli warplanes also launched new airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, shortly after daybreak, followed by strikes in the guerrillas' heartland in the south and eastern Bekaa Valley.

The strikes followed bombings Wednesday that killed as many as 70 people, according to Lebanese television, making it the deadliest day since the fighting began July 12.

Russia sharply criticized Israel over its onslaught against Lebanon, now in its ninth day, sparked when Hezbollah militants captured two Israeli soldiers. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Israel's actions have gone "far beyond the boundaries of an anti-terrorist operation" and repeating calls for an immediate cease-fire.

At least 306 people have been killed in Lebanon since the Israeli campaign began, according to the security forces control room that collates casualties. In Israel, 29 people have been killed, including 14 soldiers. The U.N. has said at least a half- million people have been displaced in Lebanon.

About 40 U.S. Marines landed in Beirut to help Americans onto the USS Nashville, which will carry 1,200 evacuees bound for Cyprus in the second mass U.S. exodus from Lebanon.

Thousands of Europeans also fled on ships — continuing one of the largest evacuation operations since World War II. An estimated 13,000 foreign nationals have been evacuated.

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The entire world has pushed for Israel to engage in the peace process and try to work to some compromise with its Arab Muslim neighbors. It had tried giving land back and pushing for a Palestine state next to it, it left Lebanon years ago, all for the same purpose, to try and show some goodwill towards it neighbors and enemies. With this goodwill act Hamas and Hezbollah used those lands given back to attack Israel and kill innocent people. There has been billions of dollars funneled into the poor Muslim countries, and they have done nothing good with it, only funding and training terrorists. If Israel decides that they need to enter for a prolonged period we should support them in any way that they need. This might draw in Syria which in the long run wouldn’t be that bad of a thing, we need to make the regime responsible for its actions. No matter how long this takes Israel must always think first about the welfare of its own citizens and that means taking strong action to prevent further attacks.