Seven “Israeli” soldiers killed, "Israeli" Tanks, Troops Enter Lebanon to Conduct Search

Source: Washington Post 12-7-2006
In southern Lebanon, fighter jets bombed a bridge that connected the cities of Tyre and Nabatiyah. Other air strikes hit the cities of Marjuyun and Kfar Shouba. Warships were shelling Lebanon, Israeli news agencies reported, and witnesses said Katyusha rockets were being fired from Lebanon into "Israel", close to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Israeli army confirmed casualties and according to Washington post seven more soldiers were killed during military operations in response to the capture.
At least two Lebanese civilians were killed, according to preliminary reports, and a power plant was badly damaged. After warplanes passed over Beirut, anti-aircraft fire thundered through the capital for about a half hour.
The Israeli government urged residents of northern border towns to seek cover in underground bomb shelters.
Earlier this morning, "Israel" dropped a quarter-ton bomb on a Gaza home in a failed attempt to assassinate top Hamas fugitives, the Associated Press reported. Nine members of the same family were killed, including seven children.
The exact circumstances of this morning`s abductions in Lebanon remained unclear. Reports in Lebanon suggested that the soldiers were seized after they crossed the border into Lebanon to investigate rocket attacks. But Israeli officials said they were investigating accounts that Hizbullah militants entered "Israel" and captured them.
Hizbullah`s leaders in the past also have threatened to abduct Israeli soldiers as a way of winning the release of three Lebanese prisoners still held in "Israel".
Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, chief of staff for the "Israeli" Military, called an emergency meeting this morning of his general staff.
In the southern suburbs of Beirut, which are effectively controlled by Hizbullah, people handed out candy in the streets and set off fireworks to celebrate the soldiers` capture. Fireworks also were set off on the airport road, snarling traffic.
But across Beirut and southern Lebanon, there was also a sense of unease and fear.