NICOSIA — Lebanon claims it will deploy its army to repel any Israeli
invasion.
Officials said the government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora has placed
the military on alert against an Israeli advance in Lebanon. They said the
army, which has received training assistance from the United States, would
coordinate operations with the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah, Middle East Newsline reported.
Hizbullah has
fired more than 2,200 rockets into Israel since July 12.
The Lebanese military, with a budget of $500 million per year, has
deteriorated over the last 30 years and failed to procure major weapons
systems in more than 20 years. Officials said the army has sought to replace
its aging Soviet-origin T-55 main battle tank fleet with modern Western
platforms.
"Our constitutional duty is to defend Lebanon as a Lebanese army,"
Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr said. "This is our role."
Murr said Lebanon would welcome volunteers to fight Israeli troops. He
said Christians and Muslims could provide a range of support.
"Defending land can be done in several ways, either helping the army
with food or water, giving psychological or political support," Murr said.
"This is a war opened on all fronts."
Murr, regarded as a loyalist to Syria, said the army would not fight
with Hizbullah. He said the two forces have different means of warfare.
"It is not an option for the resistance [Hizbullah] to enter the army,"
Murr said. "The army can't fight like the resistance, nor can the resistance
fight like the army."
Israel has accused the Lebanese Army of helping Hizbullah by firing
anti-aircraft missiles toward Israeli fighter-jets and using radar to track
Israeli warships. The Israel Air Force has conducted several bombing raids
on Lebanese military facilities.
