U.S. urges restraint in Lebanon border conflict

The United States is urging the governments of both Israel and Lebanon to show restraint after the Israeli assassination of a Lebanese Amal leader inside Lebanon was followed by Lebanese Katyusha missile attacks into northern Israel.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesman James Foley said the US government "regrets" the latest outbreaks, adding that the 1996 April Understanding established the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group, which includes representatives from France, Syria and the United States as well as Israel and Lebanon and provides a process for resolving complaints.

"We call upon all the parties to use this process," he said, noting that the monitoring group should convene "as soon as possible" to consider this week's incidents.

The April Understanding ended the Israeli "Grapes of Wrath" operation, which included the Qana massacre in which around 100 Lebanese civilians were killed.

France deplored the fighting in Lebanon and called for the use of the "greatest restraint" by those involved. The French Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said in a statement that the monitoring group should meet on Monday to discuss the incidents.

Lebanese citizens were reportedly fleeing their homes in the south, fearing Israeli reprisal attacks.