Two Israeli soldiers were killed and four others wounded in fierce confrontations against Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon on Thursday, the pan-Arab al-Arabiyasatellite TV reported.

The report did not give further details.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army concerningthe report.

The Israeli army has expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon while keeping up intense air bombardments across Lebanon.

Thousands of Israeli soldiers are currently operating in around20 Lebanese villages within 6 km into Lebanon, said the army on Thursday.

Thirty-seven Israeli soldiers, along with 19 civilians, have been killed since Israel started a massive assault against Lebanon's Shiite group Hezbollah on July 12.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said that over 900 Lebanese had been killed and 3,000 others wounded in the 23 days of fighting.