Nasrallah: Israel failed in intelligence gathering

In fourth televised performance in past two weeks, Hizbullah secretary-general attacks Israel over its moves during Second Lebanon War

Roee Nahmias
Published: 08.04.07, 00:12 / Israel News

Israel failed in the operational and intelligence aspects during the Second Lebanon War, Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech he delivered Friday evening to the residents of the town of Baalbek in the Lebanon Valley.

In his fourth televised performance over the past two weeks, Nasrallah sought to strengthen the residents of Baalbek, who he said constituted one of the main elements of his organization.

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"Baalbek is the home front of the resistance and is not in the front, but in the July war it turned into the front through the landings carried out by the Israeli army.

"We did not promise to thwart these landings. We are realistic and did not exaggerate in what we said. We are aware of our abilities, but we were determined to fight everywhere.

"For example, in southern Lebanon there were many landings and we fought them, like we did in Tyre. In one of the landings our people killed a senior paratroopers officer. There were places where there were landings of large forces and we do not deny this, but they failed anyway.

"They thought that through these operations they will arrest Hizbullah's secretary-general and the organization's senior officials. It was natural for them to think that I would be in Baalbek because I am strongly connected to this area, but they eventually captured someone with a similar name. I hope my name will not cause you any more trouble, but only good things," Nasrallah said, ridiculing Israel.

The Hizbullah chief continued to slam Israel's activity during last summer's war.

"Leading such a large landing and expecting to arrest the entire Hizbullah leadership testifies to a large security and intelligence failure. Baalbek is at the front like all other places. You took part in foiling this aggression, you bore the burden and made sacrifices for that, and not only this time but throughout the years. You are partners in the establishment of the resistance and in its victories since then and to this day."

Addressing the recent political crisis in Lebanon, Nasrallah discounted the attempts made by the Siniora government to lessen Hizbullah's powers.

"From the beginning the region suffered from social and economic discrimination, from hunger and security occupation. Today they are those who are trying to tell you that this humiliation and discrimination is derived from your political affiliation and that you are being punished for it.

"They tell you that if you move your support you will be saved from this policy. This is a lie and a deception. We know how committed you are and how many sacrifices you made and that you will not replace this with promises," he concluded.

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