Israeli troops are understood to have made their deepest incursion into southern Lebanese territory since the recent offensive began on October 1, as the militant group Hezbollah considered its response to a fresh ceasefire proposal.

Israeli ground forces have reached their deepest point in Lebanon since invading six weeks ago but pulled back after battles with Hezbollah militants.

Lebanon is considering a U.S.-backed cease-fire plan while Israel launched new strikes in the area south of Beirut. Senior Lebanon officials are reviewing the proposal and it is based on the U.N. Security Council resolution 1701,