A Test of Intentions

Middle East peace talks plod on, despite fighting along Israel's border

THE MILITANT SHI'ITE GROUP HIZBALLAH, DETERmined to do all it can to sabotage ongoing Arab-Israeli peace talks, has scored its best shot in that battle so far. Hizballah operators in Israel's self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon detonated a roadside bomb as an Israeli army convoy passed by on patrol, killing five soldiers. The blast -- and Israel's retaliatory attacks on Hizballah and Palestinian positions in Lebanon -- brought new tensions to the table as Arab and Israeli negotiators conducted their seventh round of talks in Washington.

The fighting resulted in the death of 13 Israelis and Lebanese, including civilians on...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!