Middle East conflict

So Israel has begun its invasion of Lebanon and possibly attempts to recreate the past. Of course the stakes are much higher than before as Syria and Iran alarmed and angered at Israel's military actions, are ready to strike back if attacked by Israel.
Already hundreds of Lebanese have been killed as well as over 30 Israelis but the conflict harbors no possibility of ending soon. It is indeed alarming when one considers all this was conducted merely because 2 Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah in a bold raid behind Israeli territory. Are the lives of 2 Israelis worth the death and destruction inflicted on Lebanon? Apparently so if one regards the comments of GW Bush and Tony Blair on the conflict who both blamed Hezbollah and insisted that Israel's actions were justified.

From mere artillery barrages to retaliatory Hezbollah attacks on Israeli towns and a navy ship to the destruction of vital Lebanese infrstructure to the current ground invasion. The big question has to be what is Israle's objective, both militarily and strategically? Would it be a re-occupation and creation of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon or an annihilation of Hezbollah? Whatever the outcome it will surely mean only continued grief for the Lebanese who have suffered terribly already.

Israeli capture of Lebanese village.
Condoleeza Rice: No "false ceasefire"
- same old story as US resists pressure to directly condemn Israel or open talks with Hezbollah.