Xinhua - English

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addresses Knesset (Parliament) in Jerusalem, July 17, 2006. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

JERUSALEM, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed on Monday to continue a massive assault in Lebanon before Hezbollah returned two captive Israeli soldiers, stopped rocket attacks on Israel and pulled back from borders with Israel.

Addressing Knesset (Parliament), Olmert said Israel would consider cease-fire only when Hezbollah freed the two soldiers, stop rocket attacks and Lebanese army deployed along the border in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Olmert vowed that Israel would have no mercy on "terrorists who launched missiles at our residents and our towns". He reiterated that Lebanese government should take the responsibility for the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah, and accused Iran and Syria of sponsoring the group with weapons and money.

He also said that Israel had the right to fight for a normal life, adding that it was a moment of vital importance to Israel's security.

Meanwhile, Israeli left-wing protestors held a protest outside of the Knesset, denouncing the military operation as "the bloodbath" of Lebanese civilians.

Israel continued air and artillery bombardment on Lebanese targets for the sixth consecutive day on Monday. The Lebanese death toll from Israeli offensive since last Wednesday has exceeded 200, mostly civilians, medics and police said. Enditem

Related video:

UNITED NATIONS, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council held closed-door consultations on Monday on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon but failed to decide what the world body should do to stop the bloodshed.

The 15-member council had convened on the same agenda Saturday, reaching no agreement on adopting a statement calling for a ceasefire, with Lebanon accusing the United States of blocking the effort.

"Whatever measures can be taken, even humanitarian measures, cannot be taken under fire," Nouhad Mahmoud, the Lebanese special envoy, said. "That's the urgent thing ... without the ceasefire, nothing can be achieved."

U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said he expects no decision from the council until a three-member UN crisis team dispatched to the Middle East returns and reports back to the council.

The team, which Secretary-General Kofi Annan decided to send to the region last week, has already visited Egypt and is now holding meetings with Lebanese officials in Beirut. The team also planned to travel to Syria, Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Speaking to reporters after the council wrapped up the meeting, Ibrahim Gambari, UN undersecretary general for political affairs, said he briefed the council on the situation in the Middle East.

Describing what was happening in the region as a "situation of open war," he said the conflict would bring devastating consequences to not only Lebanon and Israel, but also the entire Middle East.

Full story>>