IMRA Newsletter
Eiland: Syria Pull-out from Lebanon not in our Interest
By Haaretz Service
1 December 2004
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/508519.html
The head of the National Security Council, Major General Giora Eiland, has stated that a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon would not be in Israel's interest, warning that it could undermine security in Israel northern neighbor and leave Hezbollah unchecked, Army Radio reported Wednesday.
In a written document submitted to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Eiland wrote that "Israel has no real interest in a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, which could threaten Lebanese stability and afford Hezbollah greater freedom of operation to escalate the conflict on Israel's northern border.
Eiland's confidential document contradicts the line emanating from Jerusalem, where officials have long demanded an immediate Syrian troop withdrawal as a condition of resuming talks with Damascus.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office issued Wednesday simply stated that "Sharon does not accept Eiland's recommendations."