Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. Israel Considers Expanding Lebanon Offensive -------------------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?r=279&ctl=1360B59:3919ACA Israeli warplanes struck the cities of Beirut and Tyre, as well as areas in southern Lebanon Monday, killing donzens of people Israeli warplanes struck the cities of Beirut and Tyre, as well as areas in southern Lebanon Monday, killing donzens of people. Hezbollah rockets also wounded at least five Israelis Monday. Israel's prime minister met with senior defense officials to discuss whether to expand Israel's operations in Lebanon, but no decision was taken on the matter. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert toured frontline areas with senior defense officials of the Northern Command, which is directing Israel's ground campaign in Lebanon. Israeli air strike hits area of al-Hosh, north of Tyre, MondayIsraeli newspapers say military planners have asked Mr. Olmert for permission to expand their targets in Lebanon, and move Israeli troops north to the Litani River - about 20 kilometers inside Lebanon - a proposal that Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon says he supports. Simhon says the Israeli army needs to move further north to destroy Hezbollah's capacity to launch rockets, which he says have paralyzed life in northern Israel. Hezbollah has stepped up rocket attacks in recent days. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged the U.N. Security Council to vote quickly on a draft resolution calling for a cessation of hostilities. Lebanon has rejected the measure, unless it compels Israel to withdraw troops before any cease-fire can take effect. .