Israel has confirmed that it has lifted its naval blockade of Lebanon, ending an eight-week blockade imposed after two Israeli soldiers were seized by Hezbollah guerillas.
A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said international forces would now monitor the Lebanese coastline to ensure that arms were not entering the country by sea.
The announcement comes a day after the air blockade on Lebanon was lifted.
However, relatives of the two Israeli soldiers being held by Hezbollah said the blockades should remain until the troops were released.
Earlier, UNIFIL Major-General Alain Pellegrini said that an interim maritime task force led by an Italian admiral had deployed off the Lebanese coast and was now operational.
Lebanon has demanded the lifting of the blockade to enable it to speed reconstruction of bridges, homes, roads and factories devastated during the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.
