Gov't defines Lebanon conflict a 'war'

"The War to Return the Captives" is leading contender for official name.

By YAAKOV KATZ
IDF in Lebanon 298.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
IDF in Lebanon 298.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
The government officially declared on Monday that last summer's war in Lebanon is officially a "war." The decision followed the submission of two proposals by Minister for Jerusalem Affairs Ya'acov Edri to the Interministerial Committee on Symbols and Ceremonies. The first proposal was in whether to term the conflict a war, Edri told The Jerusalem Post. The government refrained from declaring war on Lebanon due to economic considerations.
  • Analysis: Only the wars we win get a name The second proposal will focus on a name for the war, Edri said. He said he preferred the name "The War to Return the Captives" - referring to abducted reservists Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser. The committee will also debate a number of proposals, including "Operation Peace of the Galilee 2" and "The Northern War," he added. Defense Minister Amir Peretz has also established a committee to choose a name for the war. He appointed former justice minister David Liba'i as its head on Sunday. The IDF called the war "Operation Change of Direction." Liba'i's panel will choose a war insignia that will be worn on the uniforms of soldiers who fought in Lebanon. Edri's decision to move ahead with the process was due partially to protests by parents of soldiers who were killed during the war. They accused the government of foot-dragging and dishonoring the memory of the dead by not immediately choosing a name for the conflict. Last week, the parents announced plans to place plaques with "Fell in the War in southern Lebanon" at the grave sites.