The President of France, Jacques Chirac, delivered a secret message to Israel at the beginning of the second Lebanon war, which suggested that Israel hit Damascus and bring down the regime of Bashar Assad.  In return, Chirac pledged full French support for the war.  Chirac was convinced that Syria was primarily responsible for the flair up in the north, while former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had faulted Iran as the main force in strengthening Hizbullah's armament in Lebanon.