"I just took a phone call from one of Qadhafi's sons, Saif (al-Islam). This is the message from the leadership," the private TV channel correspondent in Tripoli said.

"He said they're going to change the tactics around Benghazi. The army is not going to go into Benghazi; it's going to take up positions around the stronghold.

"The reason is they expect a humanitarian exodus. They expect people will be afraid of what's going to happen, and he said the army will be there to help them get out."

The message came as the United Nations Security Council cleared the way for air strikes against Qadhafi, whose forces have ousted the rebels from several towns in recent days and are closing in on their main stronghold.

"From what I heard just before this (UN) vote, 11th hour diplomacy, if you will, a message directly from Moamer Qadhafi, passed by his son, saying the army won't go to Benghazi,".

"They'll take up positions outside. The government will only send in police and counterterrorism forces, they say, to disarm the rebels."

Earlier on state television, Qadhafi had promised a far more ruthless assault on the city.

"We will chase the traitors from Benghazi," he told his troops. "Destroy their fortifications. Show them no mercy. The world needs to see Benghazi free."