Israel expands offensive in Lebanon

Israel launched an expanded ground offensive into southern Lebanon on Friday as U.N. diplomats worked furiously on a cease-fire deal to end the monthlong conflict with Hezbollah. Israel expressed dissatisfaction over an initial cease-fire plan, saying it failed to meet its basic requirements, such as stationing robust international combat troops in southern Lebanon once Israel withdraws. But after France and the U.S. reached a deal on a revised draft resolution, Israel indicated it may accept the new arrangement and call off its offensive. The U.N. Security Council was expected to vote on the text later Friday. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was reviewing the draft, and an individual close to the government, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, said there was a "good chance" Israel would accept it. Britain's U.N. Ambassador Emyr Jones-Parry said the resolution would give a U.N. force in Lebanon an enhanced mandate to help coordinate the eventual withdrawal of Israeli troops. But it would ultimately be deployed under Chapter 6 of the U.N. Charter — which Israel has previously opposed.