JERUSALEM - Israel says it has begun handing over control of some areas of southern Lebanon to U.N. peacekeepers. The development comes as Lebanese troops began deploying in accordance with a U.N. cease fire resolution. Trucks of Lebanese troops rumbled across makeshift bridges over the Litani River, about 30 kilometers north of Israel.Israeli officials say they have begun “transferring responsibility” to U.N. troops in Lebanon.

But Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni says the process depends on U.N. troops being reinforced, and the Lebanese army taking control of the area, as called for in Resolution 1701, which the Security Council passed last week.

“The ball is now in the court of the government of Lebanon and of the international community. We must see Resolution 1701 as an action plan and a blueprint for change,” said Livni.

Under the resolution, an expanded U.N. force will help the Lebanese army demilitarize southern Lebanon and stop the flow of weapons to Hezbollah militants. A cease fire went into effect Monday, halting more than a month of fighting.