"Israel" Warns Hizbullah against Downing "Israeli" Jets Over Lebanon

Source: Al-Manar TV, 13-02-2009

"Israel" warned Hizbullah this week that it will respond harshly to any attempt to down an "Israel" Air Force jet over Lebanon or to avenge last year's assassination of resistance commander Imad Moghnieh, according to Haaretz.

"Israeli" planes routinely fly over Lebanon, under the eyes of the UNIFIL (UN Interim Forces in south Lebanon) and without condemnation by the international community. "Israel" currently enjoys superiority in the air. Any attempt by Hizbullah to deploy anti-aircraft capabilities would alter the balance of power to "Israel's" detriment.

"Israel's" message was transmitted via Michael Williams, the United Nations envoy to Lebanon, who visited 'Jerusalem' (al-Quds) earlier this week.

Foreign Ministry Director General Aharon Abramovitz, one of the officials with whom Williams met, told him that "Israel" would reject any effort by Hizbullah to evade responsibility for an attack originating in Lebanon "by blaming other, smaller, (so-called) 'terrorist' groups." He also warned that "Israel's" response would target not only Hizbullah, but also the Lebanese government, of which Hizbullah is a member.

Hizbullah blames "Israel" for Moghnieh's assassination last February 12. The "Israeli" military establishment was therefore on high alert Thursday as Hizbullah marked the one-year anniversary of the assassination.