Last Wednesday it looked as if the Israeli cabinet was prepared to allow diplomatic efforts a chance to end the war. But despite the United Nations pressing ahead with its painstakingly negotiated plan, Israeli tanks were yesterday escalating the battle.

Israel has this weekend tripled the number of forces in Lebanon and vowed to continue the ground war for at least a week. But it seems that support for Olmert, which was rock solid, may be wavering and confusion is growing about military and diplomatic strategies.

A poll in the Israeli daily Haar'etz found that only 45% were satisfied with Olmert's performance, down from 75%, and only 20% believe Israel is winning the war. Let us hope Israel's new offensive is a last effort in the PR battle to claim victory.

After leading his nation to war Olmert can't afford a humiliating defeat.

While Israel will claim victory in that it has destroyed many of Hezbollah's rocket launchers, Hezbollah will claim victory for holding out against the Israelis, and doing so for three weeks longer than the combined Arab nations in 1967.

UN secretary general Kofi Annan, who has appealed repeatedly for an immediate ceasefire, is right when he says the time for talking is over and the time for decision is now. It is crucial for peace that the UN resolution sticks and is enforceable.

It is never possible to get an agreement that pleases everybody but let's hope this long-awaited deal is enough to end the month-long war and the suffering of tens of thousands of civilians.