The Lebanese-based militant group Hezbollah says it has shot down an Israeli military helicopter in southern Lebanon.
An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed the aircraft was shot down late Saturday, providing no details on casualties. The downing of the aircraft came as the Lebanese cabinet unanimously approved a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Israel widened its military offensive into southern Lebanon on Saturday, with some units already reported reaching the Litani River about 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border.
Israel says it has around 30-thousand soldiers in
Lebanon as it tries to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani before a cease-fire is declared, most likely beginning Monday.
Israeli helicopters airlifted hundreds of soldiers onto the battlefield Saturday, in what Israeli news outlets are calling the country's largest aerial operation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
At least 900 Lebanese - most of them civilians - have been killed since the fighting began. More than 120 Israelis - most of them soldiers - have died since Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, triggering the fighting on July 12th.