The Israeli security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, decided Thursday against expanding the Israeli military operation in southern Lebanon, but did okay a further, extensive call-up of reserve troops, Haaretz reported.
During the meeting, which came a day after nine Israeli servicemen were killed in fierce battles with Hizbullah fighters, the ministers decided that while the soldiers would be called up, they would not be deployed until further notice. The decision takes into account "the need to prepare forces for possible developments," such as an expansion of the operation, but also takes into account the need to calm Syrian concerns that Israel could be preparing for an attack on its interests.
Ministers talking in the meeting were told that the Syrians are on high alert, and fear an Israeli attack. According to the newspaper, the Israeli cabinet agreed that everything must be done to avoid hostilities with Syria.
The only cabinet member who expressed support for an operation against Syrian targets in Lebanon was Public Security Minister Avi Dichter, who said that before expanding its ground operation, Israel must consider "the day after" and the goals it hopes to achieve.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army warned thousands of inhabitants of the Christian village of Ain Ebel next to Bint Jbeil to leave immediately. The warning was given to the inhabitants where more than 10,000 people from neighboring villages have fled to join 6,000 regular inhabitants and take refuge from the Israeli offensive.
Across the south, Israeli airstrikes hit roads and buildings. Israeli warplanes carried out more than 30 bombing runs in the region of Iqlim al-Tuffah, striking empty houses of alleged Hizbullah activists. The strikes caused a number of casualties. At least nine people, including a Nigerian domestic worker and a policeman were killed on Thursday, police said.
The new strikes on the 16th day of the war brought the death toll in Lebanon from Israel's offensive to 414 people, including 347 civilians.
