I've noticed that quite a few people harbour this odd belief that the IDF is attacking the Hezbollah in Lebanon in order to free the two hostages. In fact it's quite clear that the soldiers will not be freed via military action, any more than an elephant would find a pin in a china shop. The purpose of the IDF's action is not to free the hostages. The stated goal of the IDF is to wipe out Hezbollah's military capabilities in Lebanon, in order to prevent it from further attacking Israeli territory, as it has been doing since the IDF withdrew in 2000. The July 12 incident was not the first time Hezbollah kidnapped Israeli soldiers; three were kidnapped from Israeli territory in 2000, about six months after the withdrawal. Their bodies were returned in a prisoner exchange four years later. Also, the north of Israel has come under frequent Hezbollah bombardment over the past six years. Let me stress that the stated goal of the IDF is to wipe out Hezbollah's military capabilities in southern Lebanon. Whether or not the army will be successful in this endeavour is another story altogether. And not for this comment thread!