Protests grow for Lebanon withdrawal
By Amira Segev Haaretz |
The Four Mothers movement demanding an immediate "Israeli" withdrawal from southern Lebanon has gone into high gear for the duration of the holiday week. On Saturday, activists held hands and established a living chain from Metulah to the Calf's Gate, a major IDF crossing point into southern Lebanon . Joining the demonstrators were prominent political figures from the north, including Aharon Valenci, head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council, and Rosh Pina Council chairman Aharon Berenzon.
Rachel Ben Dor, one of the leaders of the Four Mothers movement, said that the human link had created "a momentary sensation of power and unity in this crazy struggle."
The following day, Sunday, the movement set up pickets outside Defense Ministry offices in Kiryat Shmona and in Tel Aviv. Protesters carried signs bearing the names of the soldiers recently killed in southern Lebanon .
Travelers returning from vacation this Thursday, the last day of the Sukkot break, will encounter roadside banners emblazoned with the question: "You are going home, but what about our sons?"
The movement plans to meet with every Knesset member in the coming weeks. Its attempts to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, have so far failed.
Amin Khatib, speaking Sunday at the funeral of his nephew Staff Sergeant Mahdi Khatib in the Druze village of Beit Jann , called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw "Israeli" forces from southern Lebanon . "Make a brave and wise decision and get out of Lebanon ," he said. "Save your soldiers' lives while you can."
Mahdi died 73 days after being accidentally shot by one of the soldiers in the elite Druze unit in which he served. The incident occurred in southern Lebanon .
"The Lebanon option never worked in the past, and it's not working now," Amin continued. "The time has come for a change of strategy and to get out of Lebanon , simply get out. Only one option can protect us from burying our dead every other day, and that's the option of peace."
Mahdi was the 46th soldier from Beit Jann to have been killed on active duty.
Amin also criticized the government for failing to send a single minister to attend the funeral. David Azulai MK (Shas), who was present, claimed that he had been empowered by Knesset Speaker Dan Tichon to represent the state, but had been prevented from delivering a statement by what he termed "political elements."Tensions in fact ran high during the rain-drenched ceremony. While the commander of the Druze unit eulogized Mahdi's courage and generosity, hecklers taunted him and called on him take off his uniform.