They did appreciate the potential consequences & that's why they acted"

 'Sealing off Arsal'

"...Everyone, the Lebanese as well as regional and international actors, acknowledges that if it were not for the Lebanese armed forces, the current situation could be much worse than it is. They also know that generally, even if the army itself is targeted, it will not cause too much pain. Any attacker will stick to the rules of the game and only engage to a certain point. It is only in Arsal that this did not work, as those who ambushed the army patrol did not appreciate the potential consequences — or maybe they did and that's why they acted. ..."