Israel's Assault on Lebanon: A Sixth Day of Destruction and Calls for Ceasefire

A sixth day of fierce fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has resulted in the destruction of a long-range missile before launch, leveled two army bases, and demolished Beirut buildings linked to the terrorist group Hezbollah. The conflict has also caused widespread destruction and loss of life, with approximately 200 people killed and over 500 wounded in Lebanon. In response to the escalating violence, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has proposed deploying a multilateral security force to south Lebanon to restore peace.

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated that fighting will stop if Hezbollah frees two kidnapped Israeli soldiers, halts rocket attacks, and the Lebanese army deploys along the border.
• The conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 200 people and over 500 wounded in Lebanon, with 24 Israelis killed, including 12 civilians hit in rocket attacks.
• Intel, a major employer in Haifa, has moved its 2,400 employees in the city to bomb shelters, and is also exploring ways to enhance security.
• Microsoft has told 180 workers to remain at home, and its Beirut offices have been closed.
• The U.S., Britain, and France are evacuating their citizens from Lebanon, with an estimated 24,000 Americans in the country.
• Israeli warplanes have bombed targets across Lebanon, causing widespread destruction and several thunderous blasts in Beirut.

Statistics:

• Approximately 200 people have been killed in Lebanon as a result of the conflict.
• Over 500 people have been wounded in Lebanon.
• 24 Israelis have been killed, including 12 civilians hit in rocket attacks.
• An estimated 24,000 Americans are in Lebanon, with the U.S. evacuating citizens via Marine helicopters and a cruise ship escorted by the destroyer Gonzalez.
• The Intel Haifa R&D facility employs 2,400 workers.
• Microsoft's development center in Israel has 180 workers who have been told to remain at home.
• Intel has an additional 3,000 employees around Israel.

Sources:

• Israel bombarded Lebanon for a sixth day Monday, destroying a long-range missile before launch, leveling two army bases and demolishing Beirut buildings linked to the terrorist group Hezbollah. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said fighting would stop if Hezbollah freed two kidnapped Israeli soldiers, guerrillas halted rocket attacks and the Lebanese army deployed along the border (Source: IBD Staff and Wire Reports, Date: Not specified).
• Intel, which employs 2,400 in Haifa and an additional 3,000 around Israel, said none of its facilities had been damaged (Source: Intel, Date: Not specified).
• Microsoft told 180 workers at its development center to remain home, Israeli media reported (Source: Israeli media, Date: Not specified).
• The U.S., Britain and France moved to evacuate their citizens in Lebanon (Source: IBD Staff and Wire Reports, Date: Not specified).