To: steve harris who wrote (327773 ) 3/3/2007 4:44:54 PM From: tejek Read Replies (3) | Respond to Still no source to back up your lie.... The Litani and Hasbani were still in reach for Israel, however, opinions on whether or not water was the broader incentive for the invasion in 1982 differ. Kolars and Naff argue on the one hand that to seize Lebanon´s southern waters was not the primary motive (p. 9). On the other hand, Dolatyar describes that “many view Israel´s retention of southern Lebanon as an extension of its peristent efforts o secure the Litani waters. Although the invasion was run under the pretext of security, Israel sought other natural supplies of water from the Litani.”" (Dolatyar) South Lebanese water remained in all actors political and strategical considerations, especially because it contributed to the Jordan and the area around the Golan Heights. Israel needs (according to the Jerusalem Post; November 16, 1999) 1.6 billion cubic meters and has a total of 1.8-2 billion cubic meters of available water. Undoubtedly, the Golan Heights with approximately one mcm groundwater (Dr. Mazjoub) played and play an important role. As a result of the 1967 war Israel took the Golan Heights (and not Jerusalem, as Prof. Harik emphasizes) and wanted to ensure that no non-Israeli scheme for the diversion could be implemented (Amery & Wolf, p. 224). Still today, this area is a key negotiation point between Syria and Israel. Later on, the struggle would be even expanded to who dominates Lebanon completly." "Compared to the greatest parts of South Lebanon, the Mount Hermon region near Chebaa is rich in water. Due to precipitation, rain and snow, the level of the groundwaters is high. Cilina Nasser, a reporter for the Cairo Times had the chance to talk to the General Manager of the Litani River Authority, Nasser Nasrallah (Cairo Times; April/May 2001). He estimates that there is a total of 200 mcm crossing the border from Lebanon to Israel – 113 mcm of these are from Hermon. The waters of this region contribute to the Hasbani, Wazzani and Sreid and supply the Jordan river as well. In an arid region like the South, the mountain ranges and valley indeed look like heaven. Lebanese representatives like Nasrallah now criticize Israel for occupying the Chebaa region, which originally belonged to Lebanon: “Israel´s occupation […] means that Lebanon is unable to utilize the ground and surface water from the area.” Similarly, Lebanon has not been allowed to use the Hasbani waters. Cilina Nasser mentions a study conducted by Shmuel, Kantor, a former chief engineer and head of the planning department in the Israeli Mekorot Water Company. According to his figures, the Sea of Galilee annually receives about 150 mcm of water from the Hasbani. Further utilization on the Lebanese side would result in a lack of water on the Israeli side and put Israel under pressure. However, the Hasbani undoubtedly belongs to Lebanon as well and Nasrallah said that the losses of approximately US$2 billion were put on a list of compensations Lebanon wants to sue Israel for."Lebanon is far from what is going on in for example Damascus, where the main spring dried up in July 2001 and the capital of Syria is now left with no more than four hours of water every day. And Israel, according to Dr. Majzoub, has used up its groundwater sources completly. Israel drilled so deep and pumped water from such great depth that the springs will never replenish again. Israel now relies on surface water, water coming from outside the country and desalination of sea water only." The gap between actual supply and need respectively expectation has become wider and wider. Dr. Majzoub roughly explained this problem with the unadjusted expectancy of European or Russian Jews in an environment they were and are not used to. Furthermore, the Israeli government presses ahead with new settlements – 300 new homes are planned for the Golan Heights alone (Middle East Reporter, June 27, 2001). Consequently, no easing in the water question can be foreseen yet. Israel has to think about ways to maintain and even expand their water supply. It then appears unlikely that the Lebanese water will be of less interest for them futurewise."williambowles.info
