The spokesman, however, also didn't deny the possibility of across-border operation, adding that Israel was preparing for a future mobilization of reserve troops.

Israeli Army Radio reported earlier in the day that Israeli forces entered Lebanon.

Israeli troops traded fire with Hizbollah militia across the border on Wednesday morning after at least two rockets fired by Hizbollah hit northern Israel, wounding four Israelis. In addition, Israeli tankers shelled Hizbollah strongholds and military aircraft pounded bridges and a power plant in southern Lebanon.

Earlier, Hizbollah claimed that it had kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, demanding Israel release prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for the two soldiers.