Israel willing to exchange prisoners

JERUSALEM, July 31 (UPI) -- Israel for the first time Monday said it would be willing to exchange two Lebanese prisoners for the two soldiers captured by Hezbollah.

The Ha'aretz newspaper, citing sources in the cabinet, said the two prisoners who could be released as part of a cease-fire are Abu Amra Mamad, who was convicted on weapons charges, and an unnamed illegal immigrant. Samir Kuntar, who was imprisoned for killing a police officer and members of an Israeli family in 1979, would not be considered for release.

The newspaper also reported that Israel expects to agree Friday to an aerial cease-fire brokered by the U.N. Security Council.

The cease-fire would halt Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon but allow ground operations against suspected Hezbollah targets, the newspaper said, quoting a government source in Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was to meet with Defense Minister Amir Peretz and his Security Cabinet to discuss the imminent cease-fire Monday night, the newspaper said. The leaders will also discuss Israel's planned military operations before the cease-fire goes into effect.

Israel's 48-hour suspension of air raids into Lebanon ends Wednesday.

One of Israel's immediate goals is to drive Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon's border, The Jerusalem Post reports. Its ultimate goal is Hezbollah disarmament.