Israeli army rescue row

THE Israeli army was forced to abandon plans to send a 150 member team to aid in recovery efforts in Sri Lanka following opposition from the island nation.

The medical delegation - including 60 soldiers - was set to leave today, but Sri Lanka’s army protested at the military composition of the relief team, Israeli security officials said.

Instead, a small team planned to escort 80 tons of equipment, including generators, tents, blankets and mattresses, officials said.