U.N. REJECTS ISRAEL REQUEST FOR PROTECTION AGAINST HEZBOLLAH

UN Security Council to Reject Israeli Request to Expand UNIFIL Role
The UN Security Council will reject an Israeli request to expand UNIFIL's mandate in southern Lebanon against Hizbullah, Israel Army Radio reported Thursday. Israel wants UNIFIL troops to be granted new rules of engagement to take a more "proactive" role against Hizbullah and expand its field of operations from open areas to cities and towns. Israel also asked that UNIFIL troops be allowed to open fire against Hizbullah operatives, and not only after they are fired upon. According to the report, the Security Council will reject the request due to safety concerns for its personnel on the ground in southern Lebanon. (Jerusalem Post)