Israel willing to discuss prisoner swap

Jerusalem: Israel is willing to discuss a prisoner swap with the release of Hezbollah prisoners in exchange for two Israeli soldiers captured last month, according to a report by the Haaretz newspaper on Sunday.

The news comes as Israeli cabinet ministers prepare to approve a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire which will come into effect on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he will not negotiate to free the two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah on July 12, but Israel has traded prisoners for its own captives in the past.

"Israel has done, is doing and will do all it is able to do in order to effect the return home of the sons," Olmert told his cabinet at the start of its weekly session on Sunday.

Israel Radio said Olmert told ministers he would name a senior official to deal with the issue and "a tremendous struggle is being waged to free them".

Haaretz said Israel would negotiate the release of the troops and that in exchange Israel would be ready to free several Lebanese prisoners as well as 20 other Hezbollah men it has captured during its current offensive in Lebanon.