Updated:
10/16/2008 11:49:06 AM
PST
NJ, AUG 12 - Israel expanded its operations in southern
Lebanon today, pushing deeper as 30,000 more troops were
airlifted by helicopters into the country, hours after the
United Nations approved a cease-fire plan. A cease-fire may
start on Aug. 14 at 7 a.m., Israel's Channel 2 television
reported today, without citing anyone.
Israel imposed martial law in the North at the start of
their campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and
deployed Patriot anti-missile batteries around Haifa.
The campaign was titled "Operation
Changing Direction" against Lebanon.
MAINSTREAM TELEVISION DID NOT REPORT THAT ISRAEL IS UNDER
MARTIAL LAW.
Israeli officials had warned Israelis that
Hezbollah missiles could strike as far south as Tel Aviv,
and said it could be weeks before the missile strikes end.
Four to six weeks later the conflict seems to be ending now,
at least temporarily.
But fighting raged on today.
Israel tripled the size of its combat forces inside Lebanon
in the last 24 to 48 hours, anticipating ceasefire, and its
troops will continue to fight Hezbollah militants there for
at least another week, Israel's top military commander said
today.
At least 30,000 Israeli troops were now operating inside
southern Lebanon.
The existing 2,000-member U.N. observer force will be
converted into a more robust 15,000-strong force, according
to news reports.
Troops from France, Italy and Turkey are expected to make up
the backbone of the bolstered U.N. force. The Security
Council approved the force to support another 15,000
soldiers from the Lebanese army who will move into southern
Lebanon as Israel withdraws.
(News Sources: Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Jerusalem Post,
freepressinternational.com)
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