(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
Israel joins the international community in its demand, as expressed in Rome today (Wednesday, 26 July 2006), to bring about the full and immediate implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 and the G-8 statement of 16 July 2006, which include the demand for the disarming of Hizbullah and the exercise of the Lebanese government's sovereignty, through its army, over the entire country.
Israel also stresses the demand of the G-8 for the unconditional release of its abducted soldiers and the cessation of all rocket attacks on Israel.
Israel shares the international community's position that full implementation of these resolutions is needed in order to bring security and stability to the region.
Israel is forced to continue to defend its citizens, because of the failure to implement these resolutions so far.
Israel expects that, pursuant to the Rome statement and the responsibility placed on the Government of Lebanon, the international community will act immediately to strengthen the Lebanese Army and turn it into a force capable of implementing these obligations.