Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and top Cabinet ministers are expected to decide Thursday whether to broaden Israel's military offensive against Hizbullah in Lebanon. Sources said top army commanders have recommended that the government approve a wider operation.
The recommendation came as Israel suffered its heaviest losses yet in the 15-day offensive. On Wednesday, nine soldiers were killed and 25 wounded in fierce clashes in southern Lebanon.
Officials have express concerns that expanding the operation would be misinterpreted by Syria as preparation for an attack against it, Haaretz reoprted. At Thursday's cabinet meeting, a number of ministers are also expected to voice bitter criticism of the handling of the war, including its aims and the nature of the ground operations ¬ particularly following Wednesday's fight.
Olmert convened a late-night meeting Wednesday with the group of seven ministers who are part of the security cabinet to discuss options and exchange views about the continuation of the operation in view of the rising casualties.
Israel's offensive has killed 423 people in Lebanon since July 12th.
