Tuomioja, whose country is holding the EU presidency, said Israel's understanding that the Rome declaration indicated it should continue its offensive was "totally wrong."

He urged Israel to halt the fighting immediately.

Prodi also held the same position, saying the conference outcome cannot be interpreted as an authorization to continue hostilities.

The Mideast conference in Rome on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement on a formula for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas.

A statement read out at the end of the Rome meeting by Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema on behalf of the co-chairs -- Italy and the United States -- said the participants "expressed their determination to work immediately to reach with the utmost urgency a cease-fire that puts an end to the current violence and hostilities."

However, it added: "The cease-fire must be lasting, permanent and sustainable," ruling out an immediate cessation of hostilities.

On Thursday morning, the Israeli security cabinet, headed by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, discussed the possibility of expanding the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operation in southern Lebanon, Israeli local newspaper Ha' aretz reported on its website.

According to the report, Olmert expressed support for the continuation of the operation in Lebanon.

Although it decided to limit ground incursions and not to mount a full-scale invasion, the security cabinet called up at least 30,000 Israeli troops to begin training for duty.

On Thursday, Israel pounded south Lebanon with air and artillery strikes, killing a motorcyclist.

Israeli warplanes also bombed areas north of Beirut, destroying radio masts. In east Lebanon, Israel's bombs hit three trucks carrying relief goods, killing two drivers.