Israel expands offensive in Lebanon despite UNSC resolution
Beirut/Jerusalem, Aug 12. (PTI): Hours after the UN Security Council voted for a "full cessation" of hostilities, Israel today widened its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon killing several people in aerial raids and destroying a power plant.
Several people died near the southern Labanese city of Tyre, already badly hit by the Israeli bombings, in the strikes early today. Israeli jets also carried out raids in the city of Sidon, north of the Litani river, destroying a power station.
Before the UN resolution was passed, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the expansion of the ground offensive in Lebanon. However, Olmert also told US President George W Bush that he supported the resolution, drawn up by the United States and France.
Israeli Cabinet is due to meet tomorrow to consider the resolution and will only halt military action after it takes a vote.
The UN Security Council resolution unanimously called for an end to month-long fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, creation of a 24-km buffer zone and authorisation of 15,000 peacekeepers to help Lebanese army take control of the country's South.
Israeli troops have been ordered to seize ground as far as the Litani river, up to 30 km from the Israeli border, Israel Radio reported.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said that continuing actions by the Jewish State would prepare the ground for an eventual takeover of southern Lebanon by Lebanese and international troops.
An advisor to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora gave the resolution a cautious welcome, but there was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the deal should "open a path to lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel".
In a warning to Hezbollah's supporters, Rice warned Iran and Syria to respect the resolution. "We call upon every State, especially Iran and Syria, to respect the sovereignty of the Lebanese Government and the will of the international community," she told the Security Council.
"Hezbollah now faces a clear choice between war and peace," she said.
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy termed the adoption of the resolution "a historic turning point".
However, Qatar's Foreign Minister, currently sitting on the Security Council, said the resolution still contained imbalances in favour of Israel.
About the expanded offensive, Israeli Government spokesman Avi Pazner was quoted as saying that "This operation is aimed at preventing Hezbollah from firing rockets into northern Israel and is not limited in time."
Israeli combat jets also pounded northern roads in Lebanon leading to Syria, media reports said, adding Hezbollah fired 20 rockets at Israel.
More than 1,100 people have been killed in Lebanon and more than 9,00,000 displaced while Israel's bombardments have affected the only international airport, roads, bridges and power stations.
