Fierce clashes reported as Israel pushes north

As diplomatic efforts increase to solve the Middle East crisis, the Israeli army continues to make advances in fighting across the Lebanese border. It is understood troops are carrying out pinpoint operations against Hizbollah positions. The group says it has shot down an Israeli helicopter and hit five tanks. Israel denies the aircraft was shot down.

Israeli forces are reported to be pushing from Maroun al-Ras to the the town of Bint Jbeil, where the latest combat is taking place. The Maroun al-Ras area has been the scene of heavy clashes in recent days. It was here that two Hizbollah fighters were reported to have been captured recently. An army spokesman said nine Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded in heavy fighting. It is not known how many casualities Hizbollah has suffered.

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