Israel says France not keeping promise on troop commitment

By Haaretz Service and Agencies

Officials in Jerusalem expressed disappointment at what they view as French backtracking on an earlier commitment to send thousands of soldiers to take part in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Israel Radio reported on Saturday.

Foreign Ministry sources said Jerusalem expects France to "come to its senses and abide by its word," adding that the UN force should be a robust one which would be authorized to act in order to enforce the terms of the cease-fire.

President George W. Bush said on Friday he hopes France  will send more troops to a UN peacekeeping force for Lebanon after it said it would deploy only 200 soldiers.

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