Israel - Nineteen Israeli Soldiers Killed, Five Missing in Lebanon

Israel - Nineteen soldiers were killed yesterday as Israeli forces thrust deep into south Lebanon, making it the highest one-day toll for Israel since the war against Hezbollah erupted.

The soldiers were killed in a series of battles as helicopters landed commandos near the Litani River and columns of armor and infantry pushed north to meet them. The deaths brought to more than 100 the number of Israeli troops killed so far.

Several of the soldiers were killed yesterday when they were hit by anti-tank missiles and others in fierce gunbattles with the guerillas. Two more were killed when a tank accidentally ran over them, and some 100 were injured in the clashes, more than 50 Hezbollah fighters were killed.

Also, is a five-man crew missing after Hezbollah guerillas shot down their helicopter. Only the crew were on board the troop carrier at the time.
Israel launched its expanded offensive early today in a bid to seize territory and capture Hezbollah strongholds before the onset of a UN-imposed cease-fire.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said that after talking to Prime Ministers Fuad Saniora of Lebanon and Ehud Olmert of Israel, it was agreed the cease-fire will take effect tomorrow morning.

Israel's Cabinet approved the U.N. cease-fire resolution, 24-0, with one abstention. And Hezbella says they'll adhere to the cease-fire deal if and when Israel pulls out of Lebanon.