In the midst of continued fighting between Israel and Lebanon, the Israeli government stated it would allow an EU peacekeeping force to enter Lebanon if it had more of a presence than the current UN force.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated, “Israel is ready to see deployment of a force with military capabilities and combat experience made up of troops from European Union countries once its mandate has been fixed.”

A number of EU foreign ministers said they would support a new UN operation as long as all countries involved agreed upon the details surrounding its duties.

Mr. Olmert said the new team should help control border crossings between Lebanon and Syria, and assist Lebanon in dismantling Hezbollah.

Source: EUObserver