Israel is at war - ambassador

2006-07-13 20:07

An Israeli artillery unit fires across the border into southern Lebanon from a position on the frontier in Zaura. (Oded Balilty, AP)

Washington - The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Daniel Ayalon, said a rocket attack on the northern Israeli city of Haifa was "a major, major escalation" in the conflict with Lebanese guerrillas.

"They have more than 10 000 rockets.

For them to do this in Haifa is a major escalation," Ayalon said during a news conference at the National Press Club.

Ayalon was interrupted during the conference with news of the attack, which involved at least one rocket.

Asked if Israel was at war, Ayalon said yes.

"The objective is to win this war," he said.

"We certainly are not aggressors. We responded.

"Our objective is to neutralise these groups."

Ayalon blamed Syria and Iran for Hezbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers, which has led to intensive Israeli air strikes against Lebanon.

"The source of all the problems lie in Damascus and Tehran, but the Lebanese government can stop it," he said.

Ayalon called on "the entire international community" to make clear to Iran and Syria "that they are playing with fire, and it could have serious consequences".

- AP