DATE=10/28/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / LEBANON (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-309137

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// UPDATES PREVIOUS CR WITH DEFENSE MINISTER STATEMENT AND CLARIFIES LOCATION OF MONDAY'S ATTACK /////

INTRO: Israel's defense minister says Lebanese-based Hezbollah guerrillas are planning a major attack in northern Israel and a top army general is threatening tough retaliation. V-O-A's Sonja Pace reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz says Israel has intelligence to suggest that Hezbollah is planning a major attack, but he says the army is ready.

Earlier, the top commander for the northern front, Major-General Benny Ganz, said continuing attacks by Hezbollah are a dangerous factor and could result in a very forceful reaction from Israel.

Speaking on Israeli radio, Major General Ganz placed blame squarely on Hezbollah, the Lebanese government, and neighboring Syria.

Hezbollah guerrillas fired rockets and artillery rounds at Israeli positions in a disputed area Monday along the Lebanese border. Israel responded with air strikes into southern Lebanon.

Syria is one of Hezbollah's main backers and Israel accuses Damascus of supporting other terrorist groups as well, a charge Syria denies. (SIGNED)

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