A new wave of Israeli extensive airstrikes hit Beirut, its suburbs and other Lebanese regions Tuesday, ahead of an expected cease-fire to end the 13-month war between Israel and Hezbollah. For the first time,

By Maayan Lubell, Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam JERUSALEM/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Israel stepped up airstrikes in Beirut on Tuesday as its security cabinet discussed a ceasefire deal in Lebanon with its Hezbollah foes that could take effect as soon as Wednesday.

At least 22 more people were killed and scores were injured Tuesday in intensified Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon ahead of an expected cease-fire deal with Hezbollah, according to official sources. An initial report from Lebanon's National News Agency said six were killed in an airstrike on a house in the Baalbek area in eastern Lebanon.