Israel to lift sea blockade on Lebanon

Olmert had said the blockade would be lifted as soon as Italian, French and Greek naval forces arrived to enforce an arms embargo.

Israel is expected to lift its sea blockade on Lebanon Saturday evening, Israel Army Radio reported.

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Israel formally lifted its air blockade on Lebanon at 6.00 pm on Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had said on Tuesday the maritime blockade would be lifted as soon as Italian, French and Greek naval forces arrived in the area to enforce an arms embargo on the Lebanese Hezbollah fighters.

Israel would not fully implement UN Security Council resolution 1701 until the release of two of its soldiers, whose abduction by the Hezbollah fighters in a cross-border raid on July 12 had triggered the 33-day military operation, Olmert stressed.

He also said Israel was willing to make a "gesture" to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and to release Palestinian prisoners as a "signal" that it was strengthening the moderates in the Palestinian autonomous areas.