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Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz, right, meets visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Jerusalem Wednesday. (AP)
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| By Associated Press August 9, 2006 |
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Israel's Security Cabinet convened Wednesday for expected approval of a broader ground offensive in Lebanon, with some ministers arguing that the military must deal more blows to Hezbollah before a Mideast cease-fire is imposed.
However, a decision to send troops deeper into Lebanon was fraught with considerable risk. Israel would set itself up for new criticism that it is sabotaging diplomatic efforts. Also, a wider ground offensive might do little to stop Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, while sharply increasing the number of casualties among Israeli troops.
An Israeli security official who outlined the plan to the ministers said expanded fighting could mean 100 to 200 more casualties among Israeli troops, a participant said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk about the closed-door meeting to reporter. So far, 67 soldiers have been killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in principle supports a wider offensive, but is hedging because of concern about rising Israeli casualties, his aides have said. Stepping up the military campaign appeared to have strong support in the 12-member Security Cabinet.
The crucial meeting, perhaps a watershed in the monthlong war, began at 10 a.m. and was expected to last at least four hours.
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