'Significant progress' in Lebanon-Israel talks but no deal before 'next week'

Significant progress has been made towards a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, but there are still some gaps to be closed, Israeli and U.S. officials told U.S. news portal Axios on Thursday.

The report comes after U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein held talks in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Army chief Herzi Halevi.

"Hochstein is expected to fly back to Washington tonight and an agreement is not expected to be announced before next week," Israeli officials told Axios.

"The (Israeli) political-security cabinet is expected to receive an update on the status of the talks during its meeting tonight, but it seems that there will be no vote," Axios reported.

A senior U.S. official meanwhile told Axios that "we are moving in the right direction, but there is still work to be done."

"Negotiations are continuing with both sides," the official added.

Lebanese official sources were more optimistic, telling Sky News Arabia that "the contacts might lead to a ceasefire ageement by the weekend if no obstacles come up."

Israeli officials meanwhile told Israeli newspaper Maariv that "there is a clear desire by the parties to reach a settlement."

"Hochstein conveyed a clear message to the Lebanese: 'It's time to reach a settlement, don't miss the opportunity,' and it seems that the message was received," Maariv added.

"As part of the settlement, Israel will maintain freedom of action in Lebanon and there will be a strong and significant enforcement mechanism. It seems that the Lebanese side has started to digest it," the newspaper said.

It added: "The settlement is indeed close, but it will not happen tomorrow. Even after the talks that Hochstein had in Lebanon and Israel, there are still final gaps that must be closed."

"The U.S. envoy is about to return to the United States. All parties in the negotiations will hold consultations and continue contacts and it is estimated that a settlement can be reached within a few weeks, perhaps even within two weeks," Maariv added.