BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said Saturday that nations with military ties to Israel must not be part of the UN peacekeeping force that will police a truce along Lebanon-Israel border.

MARJAYOUN (AFP) — “God bless them, they are coming to protect us,” said south Lebanon resident Mohammed as government troops proudly waving national flags took up position in the Hizbollah stronghold in the first such operation in decades.

Envoy says Israeli soldier could be exchanged for 600 Palestinian prisoners PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday armed groups had agreed to stop firing rockets into Israel from Gaza, but fighters said such a move would be dependent on Israel halting its offensive.