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 Words in the News
INTRO 
 On 25th May Israel withdrew from South Lebanon, six weeks ahead of schedule, after a 22 year occupation. BBC correspondent Richard Miron reported.
IN FULL 
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Soldier

25th May 2000

Israel withdraws from South Lebanon

NEWS 1 
 AudioListen to the first part of the report
  The reaction in Israel to the army's speedy withdrawal has been one of satisfaction combined with anxiety about the future. In contrast to the previous day's description of the country's humiliation, Israeli newspapers have adopted a more upbeat tone, expressing the relief that most Israelis feel to have their troops out of Lebanon. But political commentators, reflecting the volatile situation on their border, have also expressed the uncertainty for what will happen now.
WORDS 
 

speedy withdrawal: Israel removed its troops from South Lebanon very quickly

one of satisfaction: 'one' refers to the reaction: people in Israel are pleased

humiliation: the experience of feeling helpless or stupid, especially in front of other people

upbeat: if people or their opinions are upbeat, they are optimistic about a situation

political commentators: people such as journalists who write about politics

volatile situation: a situation that is volatile is liable to change suddenly and unexpectedly

uncertainty: nobody knows what will happen

NEWS 2  AudioListen to the second part of the report
  Five thousand SLA fighters, along with their families, have crossed into Israel so far, and the Israeli media has reported of their feelings of betrayal by the Israeli government. Ordinary Israelis are also quoted, criticising the government for acting shamefully towards its Lebanese allies in the final act of the occupation.
WORDS  

SLA: South Lebanon Army, Israel's allied militia

their: 'their' refers to the feelings of the SLA

shamefully: the government ought to feel ashamed (embarrassed or guilty) about its behaviour

final act: conclusion: an 'act' is a section of a play

  Read about the background in BBC News Online

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