From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

After taking heavy losses in ground fighting, is the Israeli military now putting on the brakes.

I'm Mark Cooper, sitting in for Warren Olney, and this is To the point from Public Radio International, a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

The Israeli security cabinet met earlier today and decided to not expand the military offensive in Lebanon.

This one day after Israeli troops took heavy casualties, losing nine soldiers in fierce fighting with Hezbollah.

Is Israel now downgrading its military objectives?

And what condition is Hezbollah in after two weeks of attacks?

On reporter's notebook later on, the domestic political fallout of the Middle East crisis.

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica

and from the Public Radio International Program Fund,

whose contributors include the Ford Foundation

and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

I'm Mark Cooper, sitting in for Warren Olney, back with To the Point from PRI.

Israel seems to be moving the goalposts in the war in Lebanon.

After having vowed to break the back of Hezbollah, the Israeli government is now talking about a more limited strategy.

On reporter's notebook a little bit later are George Bush's political plans and unintended

casualty of the war in Lebanon. But first, this news update. Controversial UN ambassador

John Bolton is back up before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this week.

His temporary appointment made last year is expiring, and now the Bush administration is seeking his permanent confirmation.

Joining us is Tyler Marshall. He's a Washington-based reporter from the L.A. Times.

Tyler Marshall, thanks for coming aboard.

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