Israel will lift its sea and air blockade of Lebanon on Thursday evening, the Israeli government announced on Wednesday, following international pressure to stop the embargo because a ceasefire is in effect, ending a bloody, destructive month-long conflict.
A statement from the Prime Minister's office said international forces would replace the Israelis at command positions over Lebanese seaports and airports.
Israel imposed the air, land and sea blockade shortly after the 34-day war against the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah erupted on July 12. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has been working to get the blockade lifted since a UN-brokered ceasefire went into effect on August 14.
Israel said the blockade was necessary to prevent new arms shipments to Hezbollah guerrillas. Hezbollah pelted Israel with almost 4,000 rockets during the 34-day war that ended late last month. Israel charged that Syria and Iran were supplying Hezbollah with its weapons, using air, sea and land routes.
The announcement was an important breakthrough proving that Israel and Lebanon could work with the help of mediators to reach deals on issues still at issue. It held out some hope that deals might also be possible on the much more contentious issue of releasing prisoners.
The conflict erupted after Hezbollah guerrillas crossed into Israel and attacked an Israeli army patrol, killing three soldiers and capturing two. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive, with its warplanes bombing Hezbollah strongholds and Lebanese infrastructure.
{{/usCountry}}The conflict erupted after Hezbollah guerrillas crossed into Israel and attacked an Israeli army patrol, killing three soldiers and capturing two. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive, with its warplanes bombing Hezbollah strongholds and Lebanese infrastructure.
{{/usCountry}}In practical terms, the lifting of the blockade will allow Lebanon to begin rebuilding and resuming normal trade and life much more quickly.