posted July 14, 2006 03:47 PM              

BY ANNIA CIEZADLO
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

BEIRUT - Terrified Lebanese were angry at Israel yesterday for its barrage of bombs, but saved some of their wrath for Hezbollah for starting what they fear is rapidly becoming a full-scale war.
Much of their fury, however, was directed at the U.S., which many perceive as backing the Jewish state against Hezbollah.

"Don't ask what Israel wants - ask what does America want?" said Issam Ghandour, 54, a taxi driver. "This is a war between one state and another, and all of the Lebanese people support Hezbollah."

Well, not all Lebanese support Hezbollah.

One of the many militias that arose during Lebanon's 15-year civil war, Hezbollah is the only one still allowed to bear arms. Because of the financial support and weapons it gets from Syria and Iran, the Lebanese government is unwilling to confront Hezbollah.

Lebanon has faced increasing international pressure to disarm the Shiite militia, but some fear Israel's bombing may have shored up support for the group.

"On Wednesday, people were ****** off at Hezbollah, saying 'Why did Hezbollah get us into this?'" said Amal Saad-Ghorayeb, author of "Hizbullah: Politics and Religion." "But once Israel did respond so disproportionately, the whole thing took on a new dynamic. And I think that in that sense, Hezbollah scored a PR victory."

Lebanese are also dismayed that the fighting has sent thousands of tourists streaming out of the country at the height of tourist season - ruining years of effort to restore Beirut's reputation as a getaway destination.

"We were expecting 2006 to be one of our best years," said George Shemali, a hotel manager in central Beirut. "And I think it will take quite a long time for us to recover from this."

"They should stop teasing Israel, and Israel must stop bombing," said Anfal Hladuk, 30, who joined the exodus.

The price of a taxi to Damascus zoomed yesterday from the normal $50 to $450.

Support for Hezbollah was strongest in Haret Hreik, the Hezbollah stronghold most likely to be in Israel's crosshairs. Young men roared through the streets on motorcycles festooned with yellow Hezbollah flags.