Israel Sets Conditions for Cease-Fire

In this photo made available by the Israeli Defense Force, IDF, an artillery unit fires a shell toward south Lebanon from a position in northern Israel, Sunday, July 16, 2006. Hezbollah and Israel traded fierce barrages for a sixth day Monday, as the latest eruption of warfare in the Middle East showed no sign of easing. (AP Photo/Aviv Divon, IDF) NO SALES (Aviv Divon - AP)

JERUSALEM -- Israel would agree to a cease-fire in its six-day-old offensive against Hezbollah if the Lebanese guerrillas withdraw from the border area with Israel and release two captured Israeli soldiers, a senior official said Monday.

The official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the diplomacy, said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had conveyed Israel's position to Italy's prime minister, who is trying to broker a cease-fire deal.

Israel had previously demanded the full dismantling of Hezbollah as a condition for ending hostilities. However, the senior official said Israel would agree to Hezbollah merely leaving the border area _ with the Lebanese army taking its place.