A Lebanese ship arrives from Italy in Beirut port yesterday. A United Nations naval force assumed control of Lebanon's coast yesterday, lifting an eight-week Israeli blockade, a Lebanese government source said. - Reuters

BEIRUT (Reuters):

Israel lifted its eight-week sea blockade of Lebanon yesterday, handing control of the Lebanese coastline to an international naval task force.

The end of the maritime embargo, a day after Israel lifted its air blockade, had been a key Lebanese demand to help speed reconstruction of bridges, homes, roads and factories devastated during a 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Peacekeepers

"The blockade has ended," said Miri Eisin, a spokeswoman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Major-General Alain Pellegrini, head of UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon, said the Italian-led naval force was operational and had taken over coastal patrols from Israeli vessels.

"The blockade has seriously undermined the Lebanese economy and it is high time for it to end so as to allow the people to get back to their businesses," Pellegrini said in a statement.

Many countries have criticised the embargo, which Israel said was aimed at stopping Hezbollah from rearming, but which Lebanon saw as collective punishment.

"Israeli ships have been given the orders to turn over the implementation of the arms embargo to the international force. The international community will continue to enforce the arms embargo by sea to Lebanon," Eisin said.

A UNIFIL spokesman said four Italian ships were currently supporting the Lebanese navy in monitoring Lebanon's territorial waters. France said it will supply two frigates, complete with helicopters, and a transport vessel for the surveillance force.

The Italian and French naval vessels are expected to patrol the coast until a German-led naval contingent can take over in line with a Lebanese request to the United Nations.