A senior US mediator stated on Tuesday that there is a 'real opportunity' to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, noting that gaps are narrowing, which indicates progress in Washington's efforts to secure a ceasefire. White House envoy Amos Hochstein made these remarks in Beirut after discussions with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. This comes a day after the Lebanese government and Hezbollah agreed to a US ceasefire proposal, albeit with some reservations about its content.

'I returned because we have a real opportunity to end this conflict,' Hochstein said during a press conference following the meeting. 'It is now within our reach. With the current window of opportunity, I hope the coming days will bring a decisive decision.' Hochstein's mission represents a final attempt by the outgoing US administration to secure a ceasefire as diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war seem to be failing.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen mentioned on Tuesday that 'there are talks regarding an arrangement with Lebanon,' but emphasized that Israel would only agree if all its demands were met, including pushing Hezbollah away from the border. These diplomatic efforts are occurring simultaneously with an escalation of the war, as Israel has intensified its strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and conducted three strikes in the capital over the past three days.

The conflict escalated into full-scale war in September when Israel launched a major offensive, conducting extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, deploying troops to the south, and killing numerous Hezbollah commanders, including its leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hochstein, who has attempted and failed to broker a ceasefire several times over the past year, stated that 'this is a moment of decision-making,' but added that 'it is ultimately up to the parties involved to reach a conclusion to this conflict.'

Hezbollah has endorsed its long-time ally Berri as Lebanon's negotiator. Hochstein arrived in Beirut overnight after Lebanon provided its written response to a US ceasefire proposal that Berri had received from the US ambassador last week. Israel's stated objective is to dismantle Hezbollah's capabilities and ensure the safe return of tens of thousands of Israelis who evacuated the north of the country.

Minister Cohen, speaking at the Yedioth Ahronoth transportation and energy conference on Tuesday, stated that Israel would 'only make an arrangement if all our demands are met.' This includes pushing back Hezbollah, ensuring they cannot return and rebuild their strength, allowing residents of the north to return safely to their homes, and guaranteeing that the IDF and security forces have full freedom of action, not just in the event of an attack, but also if Hezbollah attempts to rebuild their strength.

Lebanon has rejected granting Israel freedom of action. Berri mentioned last week that the US proposal did not address this issue. Israel's campaign in Lebanon has displaced more than 1 million people over the past eight weeks. World powers assert that a ceasefire must be based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution requires Hezbollah to relocate weapons and fighters north of the Litani River, approximately 30km (20 miles) north of the Israeli border.

Ali Hassan Khalil, a senior aide to Berri, told Reuters on Monday that Lebanon had presented its comments on the US proposal 'in a positive atmosphere.' 'All the comments we presented affirm strict adherence to Resolution 1701 with all its provisions,' he said, without providing further details. Israel's campaign has resulted in the deaths of 3,481 people in Lebanon since hostilities began, with most occurring since late September, according to Lebanese authorities. Hezbollah strikes have killed 43 civilians in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, while 73 soldiers have been killed in strikes in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, as well as in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli figures.

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