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According to Hezbollah, 2 Israeli soldiers were captured, 3 killed and 2 wounded in an attack. The IDF confirms that 2 Israeli soldiers are indeed missing, and their whereabouts are unknown. Hezbollah also claims to have destroyed an Israeli Merkava tank, though this information is currently not verifiable.

Israel retaliated with air strikes, carried out by the IAF, killing 2 civilians and wounding 5 others, and destroyed bridges, infrastructure and powerplants in south Lebanon. Another airstrike was carried out against outposts of the Hezbollah militants group. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared the Hezbollah's attack an "act of war" by Lebanon and promised a "very painful and far-reaching response".

Israel has called up reserve troops, signaling a large-scale campaign, as operations continue to free a soldier seized by Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has now sent troops and tanks into southern Lebanon. The Israeli cabinet will meet at 7 PM Local Time, 4 PM UTC, Noon Eastern Time.

There is some saying that the clash will escalate. According to Professor Gerald Steinberg, a Senior Research Associate at the Begin Sedat Center for Strategic Studies "Israel may have to take alarming force as an outcome of the latest attacks, which may even result in the disarming of the Hizbullah," and that "Lebanon continues to allow these terrorist activities to take place within her borders and therefore the Lebanese government plays a key role in the reoccurrence of these events."

International Reaction

United States

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Welch condems what he calls a "dangerous escalation" and calls for the release of the Israeli soilders. (Reuters)

France

France's foreign minister says that "I am very concerned about the latest developments on the Israel-Lebanon border," I condemn the rocket strikes this (Wednesday) morning on the town of Kyriat Shmona. I also condemn the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers and I ask for their immediate and unconditional release," "I call on all parties to show restraint and not engage in a cycle of violence in which civilian populations would be the first victims," (Associated Press)

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi urged restraint and says for Israel not to seek "an eye for an eye," and "I understand the anger of the Israelis, but I hope you will not seek an eye for an eye and keep in mind the importance of peace." (Associated Press)

References

1. "Israeli troops enter Lebanon amid kidnap reports". CNN. 2006-07-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
2. "'Israel may have to take alarming force'". Jerusalem Post. 2006-07-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

Sources

(Reuters) (Associated Press)

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