The battle over Lebanon

On the ground

Israel's security Cabinet convened last night to consider sending troops deeper into Lebanon to fight Hizbollah.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his ministers are discussing a push to the Litani River, 20km inside Lebanon, and possibly beyond. Israel's top brass and Defence Minister favour the plan, hoping to damage Hizbollah as much as possible before a ceasefire takes hold. Haaretz said Olmert was not convinced it made sense to press deeper into Lebanon, given the risk of heavier casualties.

In a possible sign of preparations for a bigger operation, a new top Israeli commander was named. Major General Udi Adam was sidelined in favour of Major General Moshe Kaplinski.

So far, at least 10,000 troops have been fighting just inside the border, meeting fierce resistance. About 1000 Lebanese, mainly civilians, and more than 100 Israelis have died. Israel says more than 400 guerrillas have been killed and 20 captured. Hizbollah puts its toll at a few dozen. Four Israeli soldiers were killed yesterday.

At the United Nations

Diplomats at the United Nations argued over a resolution to end the war.

A vote may not take place before tomorrow because of wrangling. Faced with strong Arab objections, France and the United States are revising their draft. Under discussion is when and what kind of international force would support the Lebanese Army, which the US believes is not strong enough to subdue Hizbollah. A deeper Israeli advance into Lebanon could step up pressure for a ceasefire deal on terms that suit Israel and its ally Washington. Lebanon wants an immediate ceasefire and a quick withdrawal of Israeli troops.

"If we adopt the resolution without fully considering the reality of Lebanon, we will face a [new Lebanese] civil war," said Qatar's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani.

Israel's UN ambassador Dan Gillerman said the critical test faced by the Security Council was not adopting a resolution, but making a decision that would "end the threat that Hizbollah and its sponsors pose to Israel and Lebanon".

- REUTERS