Israeli Security Cabinet OK’s a Wider Ground War

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s security cabinet approved a widening of the ground war. Olmert apologized for the deaths of Lebanese women and children but said “we will not give up on our goal to live a life free of terror.”

AP:

Israel’s prime minister declared Monday that there would be no cease-fire with Hezbollah guerrillas, apologizing for the deaths of Lebanese civilians but saying “we will not give up on our goal to live a life free of terror.” His Security Cabinet approved widening the ground offensive.

Israeli warplanes hit Hezbollah fighters battling with soldiers near the border as the guerrillas fired mortars into Israel. But an Israeli suspension of most airstrikes in Lebanon ? and a pause by the guerrillas on rocket attacks in northern Israel ? brought both countries their quietest day since the conflict began three weeks ago.

Lebanese fled north in overflowing trucks and cars. About 200 people ? mostly elderly ? escaped the border town of Bint Jbail, where Israeli troops and Hezbollah guerrillas fought their bloodiest clashes. Two residents dropped dead on the road out, one of malnutrition, the other of heart failure.

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