The Lebanese government has denounced Israel's warning that it will strike at targets in Lebanon if there are any more Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Lebanese radio reported the Prime Minister, Salim al-Huss as saying the threats were extremely aggressive, and the Information Minister Anwar al-Khalil said they showed Israel's hostile intentions against Lebanese civilians.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has acknowledged the warning could lead to an escalation of violence, but said it was needed to deter Hezbollah attacks.