The French President, Jacques Chirac, opened the way for the formation of a 15 000-strong United Nations peacekeeping force for Lebanon on Thursday night by promising France would contribute 2 000 troops.
Other European countries, which have been hesitant about offering soldiers, are likely to follow France’s lead by making firm commitments at a meeting in Brussels today.
The French government was heavily involved in the United Nations negotiations that led to the ceasefire 12 days ago. But Chirac was derided, especially in the United States, when he announced last week that France would contribute only 200 troops to the international peacekeeping force.
There were conflicting views on Thursday night on whether Chirac increased the force because of the criticism or had always intended to make a significant contribution. Whatever the reason, it has been a public relations disaster for France, whose reputation in the US has sunk back to the levels in 2003 in the run-up to the war in Iraq.
Chirac insisted on Thursday night in a televised address he had been awaiting the necessary guarantees from the UN about the mandate and rules of engagement. He does not see the international force’s role as disarmament of the Shia militia Hezbollah, as demanded by Israel. Although France fears confrontation with Hezbollah — 58 French troops died after intervention in Lebanon two decades ago — it is also worried about Israeli attacks.
At a European Union foreign ministers’ meeting on Friday, Italy will reiterate its offer of 3 000 troops and Spain could pledge about 1 000. Germany has offered troops mainly in support roles, and smaller countries, such as Finland, have promised contributions. It would be one of the biggest and fastest EU deployments.
Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh have offered troops but Israel ruled out the presence of countries with which it has no diplomatic relations. A United Kingdom official said he hoped Israel’s objections were only tactical, and argued that a precedent had been set by the existence of Unifil, a 2 000-strong UN force on the border which has contained troops from countries with which it has no diplomatic ties.
Chirac said on Thursday night he hoped France would command the new force. Romano Prodi, the Italian Prime Minister, said on Thursday that US President George Bush told him he took a ”positive” view of an Italian offer to lead the force. Among compromises under discussion, France, which has command of Unifil until February, could lead the new force on the ground while Italy could take command of the overall operation at UN headquarters in New York.
Soul-searching continued in Israel on Thursday over conduct of the military campaign. Chief of staff Lieutenant General Dan Halutz acknowledged for the first time ”shortcomings” in the war with Hezbollah and promised a full investigation.
The comments, made in a letter from Halutz to his troops, come at a time of mounting criticism within Israel about the conduct of the war.
Angry reservist soldiers and parents of troops killed in battle gathered in Jerusalem on Thursday, some demanding the resignation of Halutz as well as the Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, and the Defence Minister, Amir Peretz.
Olmert is expected to decide in the coming days whether to announce a potentially embarrassing state commission of inquiry. It would have power to call for the sacking of senior officers and politicians.
Soldiers and critics in the press have complained about shortages of food and water on the battlefield as well as poor intelligence about Hezbollah’s capabilities. Most of all, they are angry that Israel failed to emerge from the 34-day conflict with a clear victory over Hezbollah. About 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers, were killed and the two soldiers whose capture triggered the war have still not been freed.
In his letter, released on Thursday by the Israeli military, Halutz admitted there had been problems: ”Alongside the achievements, the fighting uncovered shortcomings in various areas — logistical, operational and command. We are committed to a thorough, honest, rapid and complete investigation of all the shortcomings and successes.
”Questions will be answered professionally, and everyone will be investigated — from me down to the last soldier.”
The Israeli military continued its operations in Gaza on Thursday, killing one Palestinian and capturing his brother, a senior member of the ruling Hamas movement. – Guardian Unlimited Â