Italy said today it would contribute 2,000 to 3,000 troops to a UN force for Lebanon on the provision Israel did not violate the truce.
Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said Italians would be supported by Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and other nations in the force which Italy has offered to lead.
"In the end our troops, between 2,000 and 3,000, will represent about a third of the total sent from Europe," Mr D'Alema told the newspaper La Repubblicain an interview.
"From Israel, we expect a renewed effort, this time truly binding, to respect the ceasefire," he said. "It's fair to expect that Hizbullah put down their weapons, but we cannot send our troops to Lebanon if the [Israeli] army keeps shooting."
The UN-backed truce has been jolted by an Israeli commando raid in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley on Saturday that the United Nations described as a violation.
European Union countries are meeting tomorrow to discuss concerns about rules of engagement for the force. European contingents are considered vital if the United Nations is to get an advance party of 3,500 troops on the ground by September 2nd.
The UN Security Council resolution that led to a fragile truce on August 14th to end the 34-day war called for 15,000 UN troops to join a similar number of Lebanese army troops that are deploying in the south.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said he had told UN chief Kofi Annan his country was willing to command the force. He said Mr Annan would make a decision by this weekend.
The Beirut government has welcomed Italy's offer of 2,000 troops, the biggest commitment any country has yet made. Israel has said it would be happy if Italy led the force.
According to a source close to Mr Prodi, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told his Italian counterpart yesterday that there was the "unanimous backing" of the Lebanese cabinet for Italy to lead the UN force. Hizbullah has two ministers.
France had been tipped to take command but offered just 200 extra troops. Turkey, Spain and other countries are still hesitating.
Despite the truce, Israel's army said its troops had shot and hit three gunmen in the south yesterday. It said there was no return fire. Hizbullah said none of its men had been killed.
Nearly 1,200 people in Lebanon and 157 Israelis were killed during the war.