Israeli warplanes launched fresh airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and Lebanon’s southern and eastern regions today, killing at least eight people. The stepped-up bombardment came a day after cross-border guerrilla rockets killed 15 Israelis.

ISRAEL bombed the home of Hezbollah’s leader in Beirut yesterday as part of a widening assault in Lebanon since Shi’ite fighters captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight.

Israel blasted the home and office of Hezbollah’s leader in the Lebanese capital of Beirut today – vowing to fight until the guerrilla group was neutralised.

A winter storm has closed roads, schools and businesses in parts of the Middle East, dumping around a foot of snow on Amman, where snowmen sprouted along streets in the desert kingdom.