The Israeli cabinet is meeting today to discuss the latest violence in the Israeli-occupied strip of southern Lebanon, following a week of attacks and reprisals by the Israeli air force and Hezbollah guerrillas.

Correspondents say public pressure to withdraw is mounting because of the increasing numbers of Israeli casualties.

The Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has denied reports that there will be a unilateral withdrawal before the forthcoming general elections.

A multinational committee that monitors a ceasefire in southern Lebanon has criticised both sides after seven Lebanese civilians were killed and several Israelis were injured in recent violence.