The US and Israel are making a big mistake in Lebanon

With the Middle East conflict spreading, a return to the pre-Gaza-war reality is now impossible

Israel's US-backed assault on Lebanon, which began with what ex-CIA director Leon Panetta called an act of "terrorism," may have dealt a blow to Hezbollah, but it looks like the momentary paralysis has been overcome and now the Israelis are in for a reality check.

On September 17 and 18, Israel p