JERUSALEM, Jan. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The Israeli security cabinet on Wednesday approved in principle of launching a military operation against Hezbollah.

    The decision was made in response to three incidents in recent weeks, including one in which Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants detonated explosive devices in Lebanon's northern Har Dov region,killing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officer on Jan. 9.

    "By its actions, Hezbollah is trying to torpedo any progress between Israel and Abu Mazen (Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas)," Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said at a security cabinet meeting.

    "Hezbollah, Syria and Iran are doing everything to thwart any progress," he added.

    The meeting authorized the inner core of the Israeli security cabinet to order an operation at any time. The inner core includes Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert,Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Mofaz and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom.

    Last week, two explosive devices went off near the Israeli border area with Lebanon, killing one Israeli IDF officer. On Monday, an explosive device burst out near an IDF bulldozer asIsraeli troops from the engineering corps were searching for explosives.

    Israel's responses have been limited to artillery and airstrikes on Hezbollah headquarters and targets in southern Lebanon.The Israeli army has recently warned the Syrian and Lebanese governments that if they do not restrain Hezbollah, Israel will respond. Enditem