Peretz: Israel Supports Deployment of Multi-National Force in Lebanon

Israel's Defense Minister Amir Peretz with German Foreign Minister Steinmeier.

Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Sunday that Israel would agree to the deployment of a multi-national force in Lebanon, and suggested that NATO troops be deployed to lead such a force.

"Israel's goal is to see the Lebanese army deployed along the border with Israel, but we understand that we are talking about a weak army and that in the midterm period Israel will have to accept a multinational force," he said, according to his office.

Following a morning meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Peretz also said the force should act to prevent the smuggling of weapons from Syria into Lebanon. Peretz also noted Israel has no intention of entering into a war with Syria.