Netanyahu gives preliminary approval for Lebanon ceasefire plan - reports
Advancing proposal now requires cabinet approval, with points of contention remaining
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave tentative approval for a possible ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to media reports.
According to the Saudi Al-Hadath news channel, a much sought-after agreement brokered by the US needs only cabinet approval before advancing.
CNN reported that a ceasefire is "very close," but still not finalized.
Points of contention in Israel remain in three areas: the freedom of action in case of violations from Lebanon, negotiations on disputed border points, and the limitation of the French role in the monitoring mechanism, against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions with Paris.
Sources in Lebanon, meanwhile, have reportedly demanded Israel release Lebanese prisoners being held.
This comes despite coalition lawmakers warning Netanyahu not to agree to a ceasefire in northern Israel.
US envoy Amos Hochstein concluded a trip to Israel and Lebanon in recent days to work out the details of a potential agreement, touting significant progress.