Monday, July 26, 1993

"Operation Settling Accounts," renamed "Operation Accountability," continues, killing 9 Lebanese and wounding 33. Hizballah continues katyusha reprisals. 1 Israeli soldier killed in day's fighting. Lebanese police report 34 dead, 120 wounded over course of both days. UNIFIL reports 1,200 artillery shells, 22 bombs, 120 rockets, and 200 mortar and tank rounds hit its zone. PM Rabin says shelling "will force the population to express its views, whether by mouth or by foot, to the Lebanese government and its overseers." Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says attacks "constitute . . . a political strike to the United States and its peace-making efforts." Secy. of State Christopher calls for "restraint" from all parties, blames Hizballah as an opponent of the peace process. Israeli officials contend Syria could restrain Hizballah if it desires. Syrian govt. calls Israeli attack "aggression on the entire world community." Amal claims ambush of IDF in "security zone." (MM 7/26; NYT, WP, WT 7/27; WP 7/28; The Nation 8/23-30)