A Daily Analysis
By Marc Schulman

July 16, 2008 A Very Sad Day In Israel

Today was a very sad day in Israel. The sadness was both personal and national. This sadness was personal for two families who have gone through so much, hoping against all odds for a happy ending (an illusion forever shattered by the arrival of their loved ones in black coffins.) On a national level, there was a harsh realization that the government made an agreement that was not in the best interest of the country.

In Lebanon there were celebrations; in Israel there will be funerals tomorrow. Hezbollah will be stronger tomorrow, Israel will not. Nasrallah has managed to turn Kuntar, a murderer of a four-year-old child into a Lebanese National hero. The last few days have been good for the bad guys. Assad strengthened his standing in Europe and Nasrallah has consolidated his hold on Lebanon.

Tomorrow, while the funerals begin, so will the cross-examination of Talansky in Jerusalem.