US feels the pressure for quick ceasefire in Lebanon
by David MillikinWed Aug 2, 3:47 PM ET
The United States, caught between growing European anger over the rising death toll in Lebanon and an Israel determined to battle on against Hezbollah, has shown its first signs of impatience with its Israeli allies' unwillingness to accept a quick end to the fighting.
Washington clearly remains Israel's staunchest backer as the conflict sparked by Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel enters its fourth week.
But with Israeli forces expanding their offensive this week by sending commandos deep into Lebanon and the death toll among Lebanese passing 800, the pressure has intensified from other US allies to bring a quick end to the war.
The European Union demanded on Tuesday an immediate cessation of hostilities, while at the United Nations the United States and France have been struggling to narrow their differences over the deployment of an international stabilization force in southern Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who since the start of the fighting has opposed calls for an immediate ceasefire, indicated some impatience with the Israelis late Tuesday when she insisted an end to the fighting should be achievable within "days, not weeks".
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