Word: sla
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...Israel's local proxy army may not wait that long. The South Lebanon Army, which was created by Israel in 1985 to help patrol its self-declared "security zone" inside southern Lebanon, withdrew from the Jezzine enclave Monday, under fire from Hezbollah guerrillas as they went. With the local SLA commander acknowledging that the withdrawal was prompted by mounting casualties at the hands of Hezbollah, the retreat is a significant victory for the Iran-backed movement's protracted war of attrition. Israel's possible withdrawal, too, is prompted by concerns over continuing casualties, although Barak wants to negotiate security arrangements...
Monday's retreat signals mounting panic in the ranks of the SLA, which effectively has been put on notice that their protector will be leaving town. More troubling for Israel is that neither Syria nor Lebanon -- neither of whom are fans of the Hezbollah -- is in any rush to fill the resulting security vacuum. There's little enthusiasm in Beirut for helping the Israelis out of what is perceived as a mess of their own making. And any security deal would have to be approved by Syria, which holds a de facto military veto power over the decisions...
Asecond, if less pressing, problem is the question of Israel's allies in southern Lebanon, the Maronite Christian-dominated South Lebanon Army. There is no doubt that SLA soldiers and their families who live in the security zone would fare terribly if left to the mercy of groups like Hizbullah. Israel, however, feels a deep commitment to its allies and considers itself to bear the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the Lebanese Christians. Israel has no desire to be in Lebanon. The alternative, however, is far worse. With the Israel army in southern Lebanon, the targets afforded Hizbullah...
...southern Lebanon, 304 men and women are held in such cells by the South Lebanon Army, the Israeli-sponsored 2,500-man militia that rules Israel's self-proclaimed security zone. Most of the prisoners are Lebanese Shi'ites. Many are members of Hizballah, caught while attempting to attack SLA positions and patrols or Israeli border settlements. Some were arrested by the SLA security apparatus for interrogation. None have ever been charged or tried. Some will be released if their interrogators decide they are innocent. But for most, the only chance to get out will come when someone makes...
Although El Khiam is under the formal control of the SLA and its General Antoine Lahad, Israel holds the ultimate authority. TIME's visit was only the second permitted to journalists in six years. Israeli officials apparently hoped the publicity would remind Hizballah that Israel and the SLA hold high cards in the hostage game -- and are ready to deal...