Israel and Lebanon are expected to decide on the proposed ceasefire deal in the coming hours, a US insider told Voice of America's (VOA) Steve Herman.
The United States issued a joint statement with its partners in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, calling on both Israel and Lebanon to agree to a 21-day ceasefire to "give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement" and allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.
"We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether," a statement by the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar said.
