Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter, announced today, Friday, that Israel had halted its offensive operations in Lebanon, effective at 11:30 a.m. Washington time (5:30 p.m. Beirut time). Leiter said that Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon with the aim of "eliminating 'Hezbollah' and dismantling its structure." The Israeli ambassador added, "Israel will be met with calm if Hezbollah adheres to the agreement and stops its hostilities."