Statement Condemning Hezbollah Kidnapping of Israeli Soldiers
(July 13, 2006)
Today Hizballah terrorists operating from Lebanon kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and launched rocket
attacks against civilian targets in Israel. The United
States condemns in the strongest terms this unprovoked
act of terrorism, which was timed to exacerbate already
high tensions in the region and sow further violence.
We also hold Syria and Iran, which have provided long-standing
support for Hizballah, responsible for today's violence.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release
of the Israeli soldiers.
Hizballah's terrorist operations threaten Lebanon's
security and are an affront to the sovereignty of the
Lebanese Government. Hizballah's actions are not in
the interest of the Lebanese people, whose welfare
should not be held hostage to the interests of the
Syrian and Iranian regimes. We reiterate the international
community's insistence that all parties in the region
fulfill their obligations under UN
Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1680, and cease all support for
Hizballah.
Sources: White House |