800,000 protested in a mass demonstration in Beirut

800,000 people participated today in a mass demonstration in Beirut which was organized by the pro-syrian Lebanse opposition headed by terrorist organization, Hezbollah. The demonstration called for the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minsiter, Fouad Siniora.

The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nassrallah, did not address the crowds in today's demonstration, and the flag of Hezbollah was not displayed by the crowds so as to obscure the connection between the opposition and Hezbollah.

Siniora, who is under heavy security due to the demonstartion and threats on his life, declared that he will not give in to the protesters.

The opposition announced that they will take further steps to overthrow the government including bloackading streets in Beirut.

Today's demonstration is another step in what many fear is a slippery slope towards another civil war in Lebanon.

Israel - A hearing for Colonel Gal Hirsch of the IDF

The chief of staff of the IDF, Gen. Dan Halutz conducted a hearing for commander of the Galilee division, Colonel Gal Hirsch (in photo), earlier today. The hearing came in the wake of the report issued by an investigative comittee headed by retired Gen. Doron Almog which investiagted the war with Hezbollah which raged last July and August and whose repercussions are still felt in the IDF and the Israeli political arena.

The Almog comittee found Colonel Hirsch responsible for the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah on July 12th, an attack which initiated the war last summer. As a result, Col. Hirsch announced his impending resignation from the IDF.

Gen. Halutz expressed his views that Col. Hirsch should not resign and his appreciation for his overall qualities as a commander. Col. Hirsch has stated that he does not view himself responsible for the kidnapping, though the two soldiers were members of his division. On behalf of Col. Hirsch testified numerous officers who served with and under him during the last war and before it. Should Gen. Halutz choose to reject the conclusions of the Almog comittee, it is likely that Hirsch will retract his resignation.

It is unclear how such a retraction will be accepted by the Israeli public, as polls show general disapproval of Hirsch and Halutz himself.

Hezbollah mass demonstration in Beirut

Thousands of Lebanese citizens are pouring into Beirut this afternoon to join what is promised to be a mass demonstration organized by the Lebanese opposition headed by the terrorist organization, Hezbollah. The opposition is calling for the establishment of a national unity government in which it will hold a third of the seats. Under Lebanese law, such a third will allow it virtual veto power over any decision and automatically topple the government should it choose to resign from it. Lebanse Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has rejected the opposition's demand.

Unprecedented security measures have been taken in Beirut around the residence of Siniora as the government is calling oday's demonstration an attempted coup by Hezbollah. Tensions in Lebanon have been high since the war with Israel last summer and the recent assassination of cabinet minister, Pierre Gemayel.

Many fear that today's demonstration is just anoher step in a downward slope to another civil war in Lebanon.

The Prime Minister of Lebanon in conflict with Hezbollah

Lebanese PM, Fouad Siniora, addressed the Lebanese people today on national television. Siniora spoke against the Hezbollah led Lebanese opposition who is planning to hold mass demonstrations tomorrow in Beirut. Hezbollah demands the immediate establishment of a national unity government and threatens to topple Siniora's duly elected one. Siniora expressed concern for Lebanon and its democracy and called on the public to support the goverment. Siniora went on to state that the government will only be brought down by political means and not by threats or ultimatums.

Egyptian court sentences the Taba bombers to death

A specially appointed Egyptian court sentenced today three terrorist to death. The three took part in three simultaneous bombings in Ras Al-Shitan and the Hilton hotel in Taba, both in the Siani desert.
In the attack, an entire wing of the Hilton hotel collapsed. 34 people were killed, 13 of them Israeli citizens.
Egypt make great effort to keep the security in the Siani peninsula as it is a major tourist location and a source of great revenue. Many Israelis frequent the Siani in what best examplifies the peace which exists between Israel and Egypt.
After the Taba bombing, Egypt, in an unprecedented step, allowed IDF soldiers to cross into the Siani and assist in resuce operations.
Al-Qaeda is assumed to be responsible for the bombing.