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Lebanon Issue

Tamir: Don't interfere Photo: Gil Yohanan

Sheetrit: We keep giving Photo: Ofer Amram

Yishai: Be strong Photo: Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry Spokesperson

Protests in Beirut Photo: AP

Ministers warn about Lebanese revolution

Ministers express concern of situation in Lebanon. Minister Yishai: 'we must be prepared,' Minister Tamir warns Israel should not interfere in Lebanese business. All agree Siniora government should be reinforced, but disagree on how

Ronny Sofer
Published: 12.03.06, 11:55 / Israel News

The mass protests held in Beirut against Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's government have begun to concern Israel. The main fear is that Hizbullah will now take over all of Lebanon, as an Iranian extension in the area.

Lebanon Protest

Lebanese opposition continues protest against Siniora / Roee Nahmias

Some 5,000 protestors remain in tents outside government compound in Beirut, promise 'we will continue to protest until Lebanese prime minister resigns.' In meantime, anti-Syrian camp doesn't plan on crumbling under pressure from opposition, led by Hizbullah

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Deputy Prime Minister and Shas Chairman Eli Yishai expressed hope that Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora would be strong against his opponents and said that had he been strong, this could have prevented the second Lebanon war. "There's no doubt that the possibility of a revolution compels us to be prepared, but it's not really in our hands," he stated.

Regarding the possibility of returning control of Ghajar village to the Lebanese that was brought up in the cabinet meeting, Yishai said: "Israel should not rush into giving up it's property." With that, he agreed that Israel should take action in reinforcing the current Lebanese government.

Minister Meir Sheetrit also warned against Israel giving in. "Israel cannot keep giving and get nothing in return," he said, but at the same time hinted to the possibility of changes on the Shebaa Farms.

Minister Eitan warned that "If the Iranians get to Lebanon, it will be a new situation and a risk to Israel," he further added "We should remember that every Israeli interference in Lebanon has a reverse effect and only strengthens our opponents, so we should avoid unnecessary statements."

Minister Yuli Tamir also agreed that Siniora's government should be supported, but that returning Shebaa Farms was not the answer, and that Israel should be very careful to interfere in the situation in Lebanon.

Cabinet meeting (Photo: Gil Yahanan)

Sunday afternoon the cabinet will discuss the issue of Ghajar village, which is one of the disputed sites between Lebanon and Israel. According to a plan that was devised in recent weeks between the United Nations and the IDF Planning Directorate, the possibility of the area being supervised by the international community will be looked into.

According to the plan, the village, which is located both on Israeli land and on Lebanese land, will be supervised by the UN. This will prevent the infiltration of Hizbullah gunmen from the north, and will allow the passage of the village's residents who hold an Israeli ID.

Also on the agenda is the possibility of allowing residents of Ghajar village in Lebanese territory to enter Israeli territory, in return for monetary compensation.

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