JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy's threats of "blood for blood" revenge attacks in Lebanon triggered verbal protest throughout the Arab world. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, whose peace policies are in disarray, leapt to Levy's defense, saying his fire and brimstone speech to parliament Wednesday was not advocating attacks on Lebanon's civilians.
Levy warned Wednesday that Israel would set Lebanon ablaze if Hezbollah dared to attack communities such as Kiryat Shmona, the biggest town near the border. "If Kiryat Shmona burns, Lebanon will burn, blood for blood, child for child," said an unrepentant Levy, and repeated similar threats Thursday against Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim movement fighting Israel's near 22-year occupation of Lebanon. Barak stood by Levy, describing him as an important political friend and a "moderate voice."
"It is an expression of our heavy responsibility for Israel's security in the face of the dangers surrounding us as we enter the decisive phase of the peace process," Barak said at a press conference with visiting French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.
But Levy's remarks have poisoned further the already acrimonious atmosphere between Israel and Arabs over the Jewish state's air blitz on civilian targets in Lebanon three weeks ago and the protracted stalemate in Middle East peace making.
Syrian radio compared Levy to Hitler, whose regime murdered millions of Jews, and said his remarks "destroy the chances of peace." "He repeated his threats this time from the rostrum of the Knesset, copying Hitler, with the same stance, the same gestures, the same voice, the same manner and the same threats."
U.S.-brokered peace talks between Israel and Syria were broken off on January 10 after only two sessions, because of a dispute over Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights.
Fighting in southern Lebanon then escalated, until on February 8 Israel launched vengeful raids on Lebanon's power supplies following Hizbullah attacks, which killed five Israeli soldiers.
Since then the fighting has eased but the war of words has grown and the peace talks on both the Syrian and Palestinian fronts remain in suspense. Israel's oldest peace partner Egypt increasingly angered by Barak's policies deplored Levy's comments as inappropriate.
"It would be better to speak of peace and ways of stopping aggressions against civilians rather than threatening children," said Amr Mousa, foreign minister. Levy defended his statements, saying there were no assurances that Hizbullah, which has killed seven Israeli soldiers this year, would not attack again. "If their actions continue they will come to harm," he said after meeting Jospin and French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine. "[Israel's] riposte will be very strong and virulent if by misfortune our citizens are attacked."
Barak, who has pledged to bring Israeli troops home by July with or without a peace deal with Lebanon or Syria, earlier this week also warned of harsh reprisals if soldiers or civilians come under fire.
A newspaper in the United Arab Emirates described both men as "Nazis," while Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss branded Levy a racist, saying: "The children of Lebanon whom Levy threatens with death will always bear the flame of resistance and will not fear the Israeli aggressors."
In Israel too, Levy was denounced, including by fellow ministers. "The foreign minister is meant to be the most careful and moderate of diplomats, not a zealous demagogue," one unidentified Israeli minister was quoted as telling the Maariv newspaper.
Israeli public radio had reported earlier that Barak's office was concerned that Levy's remarks would hinder efforts to revive the peace talks with Damascus. And the Yediot Aharonot newspaper said U.S. Middle East envoy Dennis Ross had warned that that the "window of opportunity" for an agreement was beginning to close.
