Israeli strikes in Beirut renewed: 12 civilians killed
According to reports, Israeli warplanes blasted Dhaiya neighborhood in southern part of town. IDF official: 'Nasrallah know we're after him, his attitude has changed'
The officer said that while Hizbullah sustained a serious blow in recent days that has influenced Nasrallah as well, the organization's ability to confront Israel has not been undermined. "Nasrallah is functioning, his orders and his spirit are passed on to all branches of the organization, but there is however a big change in the way he acts, a real transformation." He stated.
Nasrallah: Man on the run
"Unlike in his first speech after the kidnap, in which he was smug, his attitude and method of operation now are more reminiscent of Muhammad Deif's. He is being hunted in every sense of the word and does everything a man on the run does," he explained.
According to the official, contrary to Nasrallah's public appearances, his messages to his people are much more apologetic. "There are a few motives in these messages: First, 'we started,' which is a new message that was not heard before; Hizbullah is suffering from a low morale and needs to be encouraged; we sustained a hard blow, but so have the Israelis; and understanding that Hizbullah is alone in the Lebanese arena. This goes to show that Nasrallah realizes the situation his organization is in."
The officer stated that during the last days of fighting, Syria has continued to transfer arms to Hizbullah via smuggling routes, after the main roads were destroyed by the IAF. Israeli jets struck these roads on Monday and Sunday, but despite this, rockets and weapon continue being delivered through the Damascus airport.
"However, the rate in which we destroy the launchers exceeds the time it takes them to put the arms into use. Until now we have taken out some 120 launchers, compared to only one during the 'Grapes of Wrath' operation," he added.
27 Hizbullah gunmen killed
Israel's assault in Lebanon has killed 27 Hizbullah fighters, 19 of them in this week's intensified ground fighting near the Lebanese border, Hizbullah said Tuesday, raising the previously announced toll among the organization's members.
Israel has said Hizbullah is greatly underreporting its casualties. The Israeli army chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Udi Nehushtan, said Tuesday in Jerusalem that "some dozens" of Hizbullah fighters have been killed in past two weeks. Previously, Hizbullah had announced 11 dead. Mahmoud Komati, the deputy chief of the Hizbullah politburo, told The Associated Press that that as of Monday 25 were killed, including 17 in ground fighting this week.
Separately, Hizbullah announced the deaths of two more gunmen in fighting Tuesday by the border. Over the weekend, Israel seized the border village of Maroun al-Ras in heavy fighting. On Monday its troops advanced to the nearby town of Bint Jbeil, which it has sealed off as it continues to battle up to 200 gunmen hunkered down inside.
A total of 422 people have been killed in Lebanon, including the gunmen and 20 Lebanese soldiers, according to the Health Ministry. The number is an increase over the latest toll from security forces because the ministry counts those who die later in the hospital. On Tuesday, eight people were confirmed killed - six civilians and the two Hizbullah fighters.
At least 41 Israelis have been killed in the campaign, including 24 soldiers.
AP contributed to the report
