BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Egyptian officials are trying to ease tension between Lebanon and Israel that has risen over an exchange of threats.

Israel's prime minister warned last week that his country would hit back harder than in the 2006 war if Hezbollah guerillas attacked again. Hezbollah's leader answered back on Sunday, saying the response from his fighters would also be more fierce than in the monthlong war two years ago.

Egypt's foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, says he discussed Israel's threats with Lebanon's president during a visit to Beirut Wednesday.

Aboul Gheit says Egyptian officials also urged Israel to avoid making such threats during meetings with visiting Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday in Egypt.