I agree...http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0810/lebanon.htmlIsraeli...

I agree...

http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0810/lebanon.html

Israeli plans for expanded offensive on 'hold'

10 August 2006 09:31

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has put plans for an expanded offensive in Lebanon on hold to give American-led efforts a chance to form a peacekeeping force.

The Israeli daily newspaper, Maariv, said the decision was made early today, just hours after the country's security cabinet voted to allow troops to push further into Lebanon.

There has been no official comment on the report.
Advertisement

Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched a new operation in south Lebanon overnight.

Media reports said troops had begun crossing the border under the cover of intense artillery fire.

But the Israeli army said the operation was not an expansion but was aimed at attacking specific rocket launching sites used by Hezbollah militants.

The Israeli army confirmed that 15 of its soldiers were killed and 40 others wounded during clashes with Hezbollah across south Lebanon yesterday.

The casualty figure made it one of the bloodiest days of fighting during the conflict. Israel also said its forces killed 40 Hezbollah fighters during the exchanges.

Meanwhile, Israeli television has reported that the bodies of members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard have been found alongside Hezbollah fighters killed in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has denied the claim.

In New York, ambassadors from the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council reported some progress last night in attempts to draw up a new draft UN resolution calling for an end to hostilities. The five envoys are to meet again later today.