A journalist with the New York Sun called into the John Batchelor Show from Israel tonight. He offered some interesting tid bits of news - political and military.
There were significant demonstrations against the Olmert government in the street today, particularly significant as many participants were from Olmert's coalition political parties. Additionally, he offered that several scandals quite apart from the war are breaking, one including possible bribery which could go all the way up to Olmert. A number of Olmert's ministers are under serious fire. No doubt Olmert's opposition is helping to fuel those fires. Peritz may absolutely have to go as Defense Minister and it remains to be seen if Olmert can hold on.
On the military front, a show described as a credible Sixty Minutes type news program is planning to air night video from the war which depicts Hezbollah forces fighting the IDF while wearing registered IDF uniforms. The tactic was said to have caused some distraction, but the particular commander on the ground was smart enough to have his forces alter their uniform slightly to identify between the two.
It is also coming out that ground forces were inadequately supplied with basics, including food, as some warehouses had been looted and there is reason to believe some of those stockpiles wound up in Hezbollah hands. Some Hezbollah fighters did have IDF registered arms as well as uniforms.
It was also stated that the IDF will likely not relinquish some key positions until they are fully comfortable with an International force on the ground. Intelligence suggests Hezbollah is already being replenished from Iran and Syria. Whether the IAF will strike transports said to be spotted remains to be seen.
While the Israeli government understands they need to address some serious concerns as regards the military, they are far from convinced things are at an end. They are paying particular attention to Iran as we approach August 22nd, fearing that Iran will launch some sort of aggression against them in conjunction with their blowing off the UN on the nuclear development resolution.
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