Rift between U.S., EU emerges on Israel

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060719/ap_on_re_mi_ea/mideast_fighting_diplomacy;_ylt=AoSXK_VxPyhqDQgqzjfu9g6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3b3JuZGZhBHNlYwM3MjE-

Rift between U.S., EU emerges on Israel

By THOMAS WAGNER, Associated Press Writer 13 minutes ago

JERUSALEM - A rift is emerging between the
European Union and the United States over whether
Israel should cease its offensive against Hezbollah guerrillas.


The Europeans fear mounting civilian casualties will play into the hands of militants and weaken Lebanon's democratically elected government. The Bush administration, while noting these concerns, is giving Israel a tacit green light to take the time it needs to neutralize the Shiite militant group.

The mixed message could help Israel in its mission to destroy Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Lebanon and stop the guerrillas' deadly rocket fire on Israel. But Islamic hard-liners and terrorist groups could be long-term winners, using the vivid television imagery of the death and destruction in Lebanon to win popularity and promote their jihads.

The United States, the country that holds the most sway with Israel, has said the Jewish state has the right to defend itself and that a "meaningful" cease-fire is needed — presumably one which includes the disarming of Hezbollah.

There's no intention for a ceasefire against Hezbollah until it essentially surrenders unilaterally. Beirut's not fighting back, and yet it's being attacked again and again. They're fighting past each other.

good cop, bad cop.. same objectives