BEIJING, August 13 -- The Lebanese cabinet has voted unanimously to approve the UN Security Council resolution aimed at halting the continuing violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israel says it plans to halt its offensive into Lebanon. But not before it is clear how the UN backed ceasefire will work. Fierce fighting continued to rage across southern Lebanon on Saturday despite the UN resolution.

    The cabinet approval of the UN resolution is a positive development for Lebanon, which has emerged from the crisis considerably strengthened.

    Lebanese telecommunication min Marwan Hamadeh said:"We have approved unanimously Security Council resolution 1701. And we are going to meet again tomorrow for executive measures to proceed with implementation of this resolution."

    Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora says implementation of the resolution should eventually result in the absence of any weapons in the area south of the Litani river. Except for the weapons of the central government.

    Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said his country would also abide by the UN resolution. He is expected to ask his cabinet to approve the resolution on Sunday.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said she expects her country will halt offensive operations in Lebanon on Monday morning. But, Defence Minister Amir Peretz said Israeli forces would continue engaging the Hezbollah guerillas, until the ceasefire agreement is accepted and implemented by all the parties involved.

    Israeli forces pushed deeper into Lebanon on Saturday as far as the Litani River. And Israeli helicopters lifted hundreds of troops into southern Lebanon.

    Up to 17 Israeli soldiers were reportedly killed as they battled Hezbollah guerrillas. Enditem

 (Source: CCTV.com)

Special report: Israel-Lebanon Conflicts [Video ] [Gallery]