Israel signals a staggered end to Lebanon blockade

ISRAEL has lifted its aerial blockade of Lebanon, but said it would keep its naval blockade of the country in place until international forces could take over.

Israeli officials said the United Nations was still working out logistical issues, which they expected to be resolved within 48 hours.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because the issue was an internal "UN matter", adding that Israel was ready to transfer responsibility as soon as the international force was ready.

Bowing to pressure from the United Nations and others, Israel pledged on Wednesday to lift the embargo, saying international forces would take over the task of preventing arms from reaching Hezbollah.

Israel said Italian, French, British and Greek troops would patrol Lebanon's coast until German naval forces arrived within two weeks.

Israel imposed the air, land and sea blockade shortly after the 34-day war against Hezbollah erupted on 12 July, when reserve soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev were seized on the Israeli side of the border.

Mr Olmert's office said Israel had received assurances from the United Nations and US that international forces in Lebanon were ready to monitor the airports and seaports.

German airline Lufthansa was among the first European carriers to announce it was resuming flights to Beirut.