Israel to lift Lebanon sea blockade

Israel will lift its sea and air blockade of Lebanon on Thursday evening, the Israeli government announced Wednesday. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said international forces would replace the Israelis at command positions over Lebanese seaports and airports. Israel has been maintaining the blockade since the beginning of its offensive in Lebanon, which ended with a cease-fire late last month. The blockade was necessary to prevent new arms shipments to Hizbullah guerrillas.