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Israel's war against Hezbollah
moves to Beirut

Peres

Peres says civilian hits avoided

April 11, 1996
Web posted at: 4:00 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT)

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israeli soldiers meticulously destroyed suspected guerrilla bases in Lebanon to avoid hurting innocent civilians, Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres said Thursday. (580K QuickTime movie)

Israeli helicopter gunships fired missiles at the command center of Hezbollah guerrillas in Beirut where Lebanese radio and security sources said a 60-year-old man was killed and five people were wounded.

Gunships reportedly hit cars carrying top Hezbollah commanders, killing one occupant and wounding four. The Israelis also targeted guerrillas in the Lebanese cities of Tyre and Baalbek.

"We will not let the Hezbollah in any way feel that they can keep on bombing Israel," Peres said through a translator. "We should congratulate the Israel army on the exact way they passed this operation."

bombings

Bodinger

The attacks were intended to avenge the shelling of northern Israel and a deadly ambush against Israeli troops. One soldier was killed and 38 Israelis were wounded in the attacks this week.

While the Israeli officials described their attacks, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah warned Israel against further aggression, saying such actions would only lead to more bloodshed.

"Hezbollah warns the enemy of the consequences of continuing its dangerous and mean game in targeting civilians," a Hezbollah statement said. "The arms of our men . . . are always capable of hitting at the most painful spot."

Guerrillas can't hide

It was the first time since 1982 that Israel forces have attacked Beirut.

Israeli officials emphasized that the attacks were directed at Hezbollah guerrillas, not Lebanese civilians. The leaders said they tried to avoid civilian casualties. However, if Hezbollah members hide in civilian areas, Israeli forces will pursue them.

"We will not make the Hezbollah think that if they're hiding in civilian (areas), we will not attack them," Peres said. "We, of course, prefer diplomatic talks rather than fight. But we had no choice."

And similar to U.S. officials during the Persian Gulf War, Israeli Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Herzl Bodinger and other military officials released maps and strike footage of the Israeli air raids.

Peres said Israel acted alone in its decision to attack.

"I didn't talk with the United States or get any permission to attack. This is an Israeli decision," Peres said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher on Thursday blamed Hezbollah guerrillas for the current cycle of violence in the Mideast.

Christopher said the way to end the violence is for Hezbollah to cease rocket attacks on Israel.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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