Peretz admits Lebanese refugees into Israel

A group of Lebanese relatives of former members of an Israeli-allied militia crossed into Israel Thursday night, seeking refuge from possible revenge attacks by Hizbullah in the wake of the latest fighting between the Islamic guerillas and Israeli forces. Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered the small group of civilians, among them a child, to be allowed across the northern Israel border and receive humanitarian aid while their case is examined, a ministry spokeswoman said. She gave no further details, but the Haaretz daily said on its Web site that 13 people had crossed.