Yesterday Israel thrust into Lebanon determined to impose a status quo. It has stressed that there will be no end to fighting unless it achieves its goals, safeguards its borders, and guarantees that its north is protected from Hezbollah rockets.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has been engaged in a fierce battle in south Lebanon. Its fighters have shown extreme courage facing Israel's Defense Army. The fact should be acknowledged, however, that they alone have thrown themselves into the fray and that they are holding out against formidable pressure on the local, regional and international fronts. Even the Israeli public opinion on which they have bargained is now 90 per cent in Olmert's favor. This is why the prime minister has announced that fighting will continue on ground, in sea and in air. Israel's weapons are replaceable. There is always support from its allies using Europe's airports to carry bombs and missiles.

There remain two questions for us to ponder:
First: Do Arabs intend to take their case to the Security Council, in accordance with the decision adopted by their foreign ministers at their recent meeting?

Second: Will the US respond to Saudi urging to redouble its efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement soon?

Samir Ragab
Al Gomhuria