The Department of Foreign Affairs reacted today to reports of escalating armed confrontation between Israeli forces and Hizbullah guerillas in Israel's so-called "security zone" in South Lebanon.
The Department drew attention to its earlier statement nine days ago in which it condemned Israel's military actions in South Lebanon and the warning issued then that these actions would lead to a violent response. Since that time six Israelis have been killed and many injured in the spiral of violence prompted by Israel's continued illegal occupation of Lebanese territory.
Referring to growing sentiment in Israel against continued military involvement in Lebanon, the Department of Foreign Affairs renewed its call for the Netanyahu Government to respond to the Israeli public's overwhelming demand for Israel to make peace with its neighbours and to comply with the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 425 in respect of the withdrawal of its forces from the territory it currently occupies in Lebanon.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
1 MARCH 1999