The Israeli military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon.

According to The Associated Press, this comes from the Israeli army chief on Wednesday, after Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets into Israel.

This includes a longer-range projectile that set off air raid sirens in the capital Tel Aviv.

AP says more than 600 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon over the past three days, the highest death toll since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

However, a Lebanese official said there are serious efforts, led by the United States, to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The official said the aim of negotiations is to reach a temporary four-week cease-fire, during which there will be talks for on further issues including land border demarcation, and boosting Lebanese army presences along the border area.