By host Tom Ashbrook:

Israel was looking the other way — at withdrawal from Gaza and much of the West Bank, at school and business life. Then, this past July 12, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah along the border with Lebanon and all hell broke loose.

The Israeli military went for war –air war– and within days much of Lebanon was in ruins. Hezbollah went for war –rocket and guerilla war– and within days masses of Israelis were huddled in bomb shelters, and Israeli troops were fighting hand-to-hand, yard by yard.

The destruction of Lebanon has brought a rain of criticism on Israel. But facing a rain of rockets, Israelis have their own view.

Hear a conversation with Israelis on the war with Hezbollah.

Guests:

Aharon Valency, head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council in Northern Israel and a resident of Kfar Giladi in Northern Israel where 12 Israeli reservists were killed by Hezbollah rocket fire

Moshe Arens, former Foreign Minister and three-time Defense Minister in Israel

Ambassador Dore Gold, President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He served as Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. from 1997 to 1999.

Naomi Chazan, Former deputy speaker of the Israeli Parliament the Knesset (1992 to 2003) who’s been involved for many years in Israeli-Palestinian peace initiatives.

Yossi Beilin, long-time member of the Knesset, former Justice Minister and leading liberal voice in Israel.