Israel begins massive ground offensive in Lebanon

Israel has begun an expanded ground offensive in southern Lebanon after expressing dissatisfaction over an emerging cease-fire deal, government officials said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his defence minister, Amir Peretz, made the decision to expand the offensive after meeting for four hours Friday. Peretz instructed the military to launch the offensive, officials said.

Olmert’s spokesman, Asaf Shariv, told The Associated Press that the expanded incursion had already begun.

An emerging ceasefire deal being worked out by the UN Security Council fails to meet Israel’s basic requirements, such as stationing robust international combat troops in southern Lebanon once Israel withdraws, Shariv said.