Peretz: Israel Will Hold Security Zone Until International Force Arrives

Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Tuesday that Israel will maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon until an international force arrives there.

Peretz did not say whether Israel Defense Forces soldiers would remain in Lebanon or would maintain the zone using air strikes and artillery fire.

Israel had initially been opposed to an international force in southern Lebanon, preferring that the Lebanese army secure the border, but in recent days it has said it would accept a force under NATO's command.