The Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has cut short a visit to Europe because of the deteriorating security situation in south Lebanon.

Two more Israeli soldiers were killed by suspected Hizbollah guerrillas in the Israeli-occupied zone overnight when a bomb exploded near their patrol.

Seven Israelis have now been killed so far this month.

Speaking in London, Mr Netanyahu said he would return home for a cabinet meeting on Lebanon, instead of travelling to Spain.

He said he would launch an enquiry into Israel's tactics on its border with Lebanon, including a possible troop withdrawal.

There's growing concern in Israel over the mounting cost of its military operation in the border area it has occupied since l985.