Israel’s Prime Minister has given his country’s troops his full support and backing for the duration of the military offensive in Lebanon. On a morale-boosting visit to a command post near the Lebanese border, Ehud Olmert confirmed that the fighting will not cease until Hizbollah’s rocket launchers are disabled. Later, speaking on television, he added that the Lebanese militant group was not the only enemy:

“I know you all think we are fighting against Hizbollah, but let’s face it, the state of Israel is fighting against the Iranians and the Syrians, who are using Hizbollah in order to attack Israel from the North.”

Dozens of missiles fell at Kiryat Shmona, causing more injuries and damage. On Sunday, Hizbollah rockets killed 12 army reservists near the border and three civilians in the port of Haifa. Israel has threatened to expand its ground offensive if diplomatic efforts to end the fighting remain stalled. But, in turn, Lebanon has demanded that the Security Council resolution includes a demand for the immediate withdrawal of Israel’s 10,000 troops from the south of the country.

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