Friday, August 11 2006 09:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Determined to render Hizbollah ineffective, Israel is set to expand its military operation but is open to a more effective multi-national force taking charge of south Lebanon to ensure an end to attacks by the militia on long-term.

While keeping the option open for a diplomatic solution to the present stand-off, Tel Aviv feels the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at present does not have the mandate or powers to ensure that Hizbollah is deprived of the ability to continue attacks against Israel, an Israeli official said here yesterday (Aug 10, 2006).

India is a part of UNIFIL.

"The Lebanese government's decision to assert its right on south of the country has also not enthused Israel as it believes that the Lebanese military would be unable to prevent attacks by Hizbollah," the official said.

Despite the growing world pressure, he maintained that his country has done 'no wrong' and its action was only a retaliation to Hizbollah's rocket and mortar attacks over the last six years.

It is unwilling to return to the positions of July 12, when its military offensive started, and in fact the Israeli government has taken a decision to expand the operation.

The objective, is to move up to Nitala river, 30 km deep inside Lebanon within a month, to create a 'buffer zone' that will make Hizbollah unable to carry out attacks into Israel.

The expansion of the military operation will involve use of three Army Divisions instead of a few special units and brigades as at present.