"The suspension of our aerial activities does not signify in any way the end to the war," Ramon told Israeli army radio. "On the contrary, this decision will allow us to win this war and lessen international pressure.

"To stop the war at this stage would mean a victory for Hezbollah and for international terrorism, manipulated by Iran and Syria," added Ramon, who is considered close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and is a member of the nation's security cabinet.

Another cabinet member considered close to Olmert, Minister of Immigrant Absorption Zeev Boim, told public radio that the suspension in aerial attacks was "temporary and limited."

"We took this decision to take into account the interests of the United States, our loyal and courageous ally that finds itself in a difficult position because of its support of Israel," Boim said.

Boim added the halt in air attacks would not apply "if we see attempts by the Hezbollah to restock itself with arms and rockets from Syria."

Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah member of parliament, said a limited suspension of Israeli air strikes into Lebanon was not enough to halt the conflict with the Shiite Muslim group.

"The war will end when Israel stops its aggression comprehensively and totally and pulls out from the points (its ground forces) entered in south Lebanon," Fadlallah told Reuters.

"If the aim of Israel's decision to suspend air raids is to absorb the international outrage over the Qana massacre and then proceed with ground bombardment, that means Israel has not stopped its aggression," Fadlallah added.

Britain, Germany welcome suspension

British Prime Minister Tony Blair welcomed the temporary halt to the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, saying he was optimistic of the chances of an end to hostilities.

"What's important now is that we have a real chance of getting a United Nations Security Council resolution which will give us the opportunity both to have the complete cessation of hostilities, not merely a temporary one, but on a sustainable, lasting basis," said Blair.

"What has happened to Qana shows that this is a situation that simply cannot continue," he added. "I've been conducting a serious of urgent course negotiations with other leaders. I've also spoken to Prime Minister Siniora of the Lebanon. I think there is a basis for an agreement that would allow us to get a UN resolution. ....hostilities have got to stop. And stop on all sides."

Gernot Erler, a German deputy foreign minister, said on Germany's ZDF television that the suspension of air strikes was a sign that the United States was beginning to exert its influence with positive effects in the Middle East crisis.

"What (US Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice achieved in Israel in the last few hours is far more than one could actually expect, and we also have the impression that great pressure is now being exercised by America," Erler said.

"I think that, in America, there is an understanding of the danger to the standing of both Israel and America that is linked with Qana, with this tragedy," he added.

Qana bombing leads to limited ceasefire

The announcement of the suspension of air strikes came after the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting after Israeli bombs struck a building in the southern Lebanese village of Qana, killing dozens of civilians, many of them children

Sunday's strike, the deadliest yet, prompted Rice to call for a UN resolution that could bring about a complete halt to fighting.

The bloodshed in Qana, which Israel said was accidental, has triggered outrage across the world and increased international pressure on the United States to back an immediate end to the fighting.

Rice believes full ceasefire in sight

After a long night of discussions in Jerusalem, Rice said a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could be achieved this week. World powers will meet again on Monday to discuss the next possible developments in the conflict.

Rice said during her discussions with top Israeli officials she had found consensus on several issues that she thinks could form the political basis for a solution to the crisis.

But the statements from Israel regarding the 48-hour air strike suspension suggested there was no indication from Israeli politicians that they were actually willing to agree to an immediate and complete ceasefire.

Israel urged to stop the war

International criticism is growing and many leaders have demanded more urgency from Israel to stop the fighting.

France, Germany and several other Western nations have also called for an immediate ceasefire in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes hit eastern Lebanon early on Monday, with two raids near the Syrian border. However, Israel said the strikes had been carried out before the 48-hour suspension came into effect.

When the members of the UN Security Council meet this week, they will also discuss the establishment of an international stabilization force. The force would then be deployed as soon as possible after a UN resolution and create a buffer zone between southern Lebanon and Israel.