Rice believes can forge Lebanon truce this week

VIDEO - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday expressed her satisfaction with Israel's decision to halt its aerial activity for 48 hours. Speaking at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, Rice said she believed a ceasefire to end fighting between Israel and Hizbullah guerrilla group in Lebanon could be forged this week. "This morning, as I head back to Washington, I take with me an emerging consensus on what is necessary for both an urgent ceasefire and lasting settlement. I am convinced we can achieve both this week," she told reporters in Jerusalem. Israel at war - full coverage Rice said she would call for a UN resolution this week on the ceasefire and also the establishment of an international stabilization force for Lebanon. "There is broad agreement that armed groups must be prohibited in areas where the international force is deployed," she said, adding an arms embargo must be enforced. Rice with Defense Minister Peretz (Photo: Reuters) Rice won a 48-hour suspension from Israel of its aerial bombardment of south Lebanon following an air strike on a Lebanese village on Sunday that killed at least 54 people. "I have been deeply grieved by the tragic losses we have witnessed, particularly of children," she said. Rice failed to mention the three kidnapped Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and Hizbullah. She was expected to meet with Defense Minister Amir Peretz later in the day. Israel also agreed to allow a 24-hour window for residents of southern Lebanon to leave the area if they wish. Rice said she hoped this could be extended. Israel: We'll strike targets constituting threat Israel agreed to a 48-hour suspension of aerial activity over southern Lebanon after its bombing of a Lebanese village on Sunday that killed a number of children, a US official said Sunday night. While suspending aerial activity, US State Department spokesman Adam Ereli made clear that Israel had the right to "take action against targets preparing attacks against it", reiterating US policy that the Jewish state has the right to defend itself against attack. "The United States welcomes this decision and hopes that it will help relieve the suffering of the children and families of southern Lebanon," Ereli told reporters traveling with Rice. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the IDF will halt air strikes over Lebanon for "up to 48 hours," until the army probe into the Qana tragedy is completed. "No targets will be hit, unless they threaten to strike Israel, until the full IDF investigation concludes and after all lessons have been drawn," the PM's Office said in a statement. "Israel will allow, in coordination with the UN, safe passage for the residents of south Lebanon wishing to evacuate the area within 24 hours, and will also operate ground and sea corridors for humanitarian aid to go through," the statement said. On Monday morning, Lebanese security sources reported that the IDF struck targets in eastern Lebanon. According to the sources, IAF aircrafts attacked roads near the border with Syria. IDF officials said in response that the attack was carried out at around midnight, before the announcement on the suspension of air strikes. In any case, they added, striking targets which constitute a threat for Israel will continue. Reuters contributed to the report

Rice believes can forge Lebanon truce this week

(VIDEO) US secretary of state says ceasefire to end fighting between Israel, Hizbullah could be forged this week. 'I have been deeply grieved by tragic losses we have witnessed, particularly of children,' she notes