Where's It All heading?

Without a crushing victory over Hezbollah, Israel's long-term viability will be at risk.

After two-and-a-half weeks of fighting in the north, we don't know exactly what the government and the army are looking to achieve. We, too, don't know how they plan to achieve the goals they have set ? if in fact any have been set.

We citizens need to know such things, not only because we are the ones who will pay the price, but also because that's the way democratic countries function. And especially because when goals are clear, it makes difficulties along the way bearable. Clear goals also moderate fluctuations in public opinion, as a result of reports coming from the front.

Both IDF and the political echelon are terribly naive: There is much more at stake in Lebanon than pushing Hezbollah north and dismantling and disarming the organization. This is a defining stage in the current battle in the Middle East, between radical, militant Islam and pragmatic forces, including Israel.

If Hezbollah comes out of this fight with the upper hand, Hamas, the Moslem Brotherhood in Egypt and Jordan and other jihadis in the region will look to Iran for leadership and will adopt Hezbollah's tactics. Normal life in Israel will not be possible, and in the long term Israel's existence will be at risk.

A draw will allow Hezbollah to regroup and return to battle after a short period. In practice, such an outcome would be a loss for Israel.

On the other hand, if Israel wins, the threat from the north will be emasculated for a long time. Palestinian extremists will be weakened and will seek agreement with Israel. Even Iran and Syria will be forced to re-evaluate the situation. Therefore, Israel has no choice but to win this battle.

But what, exactly, constitutes victory? On a strategic level, there is no argument between the political echelon and the IDF: the removal of armed Hezbollah forces from south Lebanon and a complete halt to Katyusha fire at Israel.

The IDF must not let up before the details of a diplomatic arrangement are clear and acceptable to all sides, including Hezbollah and its patrons. Another goal must be to prevent an extraneous armed clash with Syria. Such a diplomatic arrangement would represent a victory for Israel.