Body of Israeli soldier found in south Lebanon

JERUSALEM, July 23 (Reuters) Israel's army has found the body of a soldier who was reported missing in south Lebanon during fighting with Hizbollah guerrillas last week, a spokeswoman said today.

The confirmation of the death brings to seven the number of troops killed during the Israeli ground incursion. A total of 35 soldiers and civilians have been killed since Hizbollah captured two soldiers in Israel on July 12.

Israel's onslaught against Hizbollah has killed some 355 Lebanese, most of them civilians. Israeli troops yesterday seized the strategic village that was the centre of the fiercest fighting last week.

REUTERS SRS KN0842