Following increased terrorist activity from the area of southern Lebanon, which resulted in Israeli casualties, Israeli planes bombed terrorist bases in Sidon and shot down two Syrian MIG 23. This was the first time this type of Soviet made plane was used by the Syrians. In the following interview, the chief of staff discussed the implications of the new development along the Israel-Lebanon border. Excerpts:
Eitan: I think that the increasing terrorist activity lately has gone too far, and despite our explanations and appeals, and the confirmation that we have repeatedly received concerning the interpretation of last year's cease-fire settlement, today we have clearly been compelled to say that such one-sided activity - whereby it is permissible to attack Jews everywhere, in Israel and abroad, from the Jordanian border, from the Lebanese border, in Israel and ... they are immune - cannot continue. This is a reminder that this cannot and will not continue.
Q: Is this a reminder, or is it a reprisal for certain actions carried out by the terrorists, such as the I.D.F. soldier who was killed this morning?
A: It's better for us to call this a reminder.
Q: Do you think that the cease-fire agreement is no longer in effect now following the I.D.F. action?
A: No agreement was signed. There was mediation and something was achieved, a shared understanding. Let's say that immediately after the agreement was reached, all kinds of interpretations were already given to it. We're not so sophisticated that we can differentiate between someone killed here or someone killed there, between a grenade, a shell, an explosive charge or a mine. We simply aren't able to make distinctions with blood, between blood shed in one place and blood shed in another. The cease-fire or cessation of terrorist activity against the State of Israel can continue, if there is quiet and if they do not attack the State of Israel and its inhabitants. If they attack, why should we restrain ourselves and behave differently? Why should we not protect our citizens? This is our duty and our right, and we will do it with everything we have. That is to say, from now on there will be no restraint as there was during the last eight months - there will be an Israeli reaction to their acts.
Q: Why were the bases attacked today singled out as targets?
A: The bases that were chosen were picked on the basis of the intelligence we had, that these were terrorist training bases, where weapons and ammunition were stored ... I wouldn't say that it is by chance that these bases were chosen, but by the same token, three others would have been picked - or ten others, if need be.
Q: How do you see the intervention of dozens of Syrian planes during the attack? While only four were involved in contact, there were dozens in the air at the time.
A: This is not new. Today is the first time that a MIG-23 entered into battle, not the first time a MIG-23 has been shot down. I don't think there is a change in Syrian policy - what's new is that they have introduced MIG-23's into operational capability.