TSR: New area of battle: Bekaa Valley


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Length: 2:50

WOLF BLITZER: Let's go to our reporter, Michael Ware. He's on the scene in Beirut.

And I'll begin with this question, Michael. It looks like the Israelis sense they have a clock ticking. They may have a few days, maybe a week, maybe a little bit more to do as much damage to Hezbollah as possible. I assume that's what Lebanese officials are bracing for?

MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Wolf, that would be right. I mean, we saw today that the Israeli military said that they would like another month to pursue their objectives.

What we're seeing now, according to Lebanese security sources, is a major Israeli operation in this northeastern town, Baalbeck, a known Hezbollah stronghold. Potentially one of the command and control centers.

What these Lebanese sources are telling us is that there's Israeli air activity, both helicopter and fixed wing. They're also confirming that 10 kilometers north of this town, Israeli troops are on the ground and firing.

So that's what we're seeing. This is the most daring strike by Israeli ground forces. It's certainly the deepest they've penetrated into Lebanese territory to the north. This is about 140 kilometers from the Israeli border -- Wolf.

BLITZER: The Israelis, Michael, have made no secret that one of their goals is to try to kill the leadership of Hezbollah, including Hassan Nasrallah, the overall leader of Hezbollah, to decapitate, if you will, this organization. Is there a sense in Beirut right now that this may be -- may be -- Israel's objective in going after these targets in Baalbeck, not far from the Syrian border?

WARE: Well, that's certainly one of the potential targets. Here in Beirut it's late at night, as you pointed out. It's midnight here, so most people are hunkered down in their homes waiting for the expiry of the Israeli announcement that they would suspend airstrikes.

So, we have two hours until the skies are clear for Israeli jets once more. So there's not much reaction, of course, on the street.

But I think it's evident to say that this is an operation to strike at the heart of Hezbollah's leadership and command and control. This is one of their strongest safe-holds, or so we're told, and this is certainly far from the Israeli border. So this is very much targeting that leadership.

The question is, even if you take out Hassan Nasrallah, what will that do? There is some -- some -- suspicion that that could see the organization fall into some confusion. However, I would suspect that they are prepared for any kind of loss -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Michael Ware in Beirut.

Thanks very much.