Israeli troops and Hizbullah fighters were engaged in heavy exchanges of fire Tuesday morning in southern Lebanon. Three Israeli soldiers were killed and four others wounded in fierce fighting with Hizbullah Monday. Two soldiers died Monday afternoon when they were hit by an anti-tank missile in fighting in the southern Lebanon town of Bint Jbail.
Meanwhile, Lebanon will deploy its army in the south of the country after the Israel's withdrawal from the area, the Lebanese cabinet agreed Monday night, in a decision supported by all the ministers present, including those who represent Hizbullah and Amal.
Lebanese officials expressed hope that in the wake of this decision, the United Nations Security Council will agree to the amended U.S.-French draft resolution that calls for the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the country.
For the purpose of the deployment, the Lebanese defense minister Monday announced the mobilization of reservists. Reports have indicated that the Lebanese army will call up some 15,000 reservists for deployment in the south. They will be mobilized August 10-16, in keeping with orders published in Lebanon on Monday.
