A former deputy chief of staff will become Israel’s new military commander, Israeli media reported today, after another candidate for the job withdrew.

Israel’s outgoing army chief today promised an “orderly transition” for his successor, the army said.

Israel’s security cabinet today decided to vastly expand its ground offensive and send troops deeper into Lebanon, in an attempt to deal more blows to Hezbollah and score quick battlefield victories before a Middle East ceasefire is imposed.