Israeli officials were clearly delighted by news that French carrier-based aircraft struck terrorist positions in Lebanon today. But their satisfaction was muted and the government, officially, said nothing.
Privately, however, government sources noted that the French air strike had a direct impact on Shiite Moslem terrorists and sent an unmistakable signal to Syria. The Israelis regard these particular terrorists as an especially dangerous group. Hitting them “will literally save lives in the future,” the sources said, indicating that Israel regards the French attack as both punitive and pre-emptive.
It has inevitably renewed speculation here over the likelihood that the U.S. will take retribution for the killing of more than 230 marines and sailors in the October 23 truck-bomb attack on marine headquarters at Beirut airport. There had been a feeling during the week that the opportune time for American retaliation had slipped away. In the wake of the French example, there was renewed talk in Jerusalem tonight that the U.S. naval task force off Lebanon will unleash its own blow against the terrorists responsible for last month’s marine deaths. (See separate story.)
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
