Troops preparing to go into Lebanon

(10 Aug 2006) SHOTLIST Metulla 1. Various of Israeli troops preparing their equipment to cross into Lebanon 2. Various of Israeli troops praying 3. Israeli solider putting camouflage paint on the face of another 4. Various of troops marching towards border and crossing wire fence 5. Various of troops marching and resting among vineyards STORYLINE Israeli troops on the Israeli Lebanon border preparing their equipment early on Thursday, despite news that after approving a major expansion of its ground offensive in Lebanon, Israel decided to put the plan on hold. However, prospects for a quick cease-fire resolution by the U.N. Security Council were uncertain. The United States and France are divided over a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, the main dispute holding up a joint resolution. France wants Israel to pull out once hostilities end, while the United States backs Israel's insistence on staying in southern Lebanon until a strong international force is deployed, which could take weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is ready to wait with the offensive until the weekend, said a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to discuss the issue with reporters. The offensive could begin earlier if Hezbollah launches a major attack on Israel, the official said. Earlier on Thursday, Israeli troops, backed by tanks and armoured vehicles, entered the key south Lebanese town of Marjayoun. After taking Marjayoun, Israeli soldiers moved to the nearby village of Blatt where they took up positions on a strategic hill overlooking the Litani River valley, witnesses said. Marjayoun, Blatt and the nearby village of Bourj al-Mulouk are key locations because they overlook the Litani River valley from which Hezbollah guerrillas fire their rockets into northern Israel. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...