Following are excerpts from an interview with Lebanese Shiite leader Muhammad Hussein Fadhlallah, which aired on Al-Jazeera TV on July 26, 2006.

Muhammad Hussein Fadhlallah: We are opposed to international forces on the Lebanese side, because the Lebanese side is not aggressive. But if international forces are deployed on the Israeli side, in any event of aggression coming from Lebanon, they could defend [Israel], just like Israel is defending its settlements, as it claims. Let the international forces join the Israeli forces in defending Israel. When it comes to [international forces], there is no difference between Islamic and non-Islamic countries. We are saying that international forces are not required on the Lebanese side. They are required on the Israeli side, in order to defend Israel. Therefore, they should join the Israeli army in this matter. Why are international forces always imposed on us, on the Lebanese side?

All the Lebanese rifles, even those that are privately owned, should be pointed at Israel and its aggression.