US Optimistic as Israel Weighs Cease-Fire Proposal for Lebanon

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, following meeting in Beirut, said he hoped to close a deal after meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu.

U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 21, 2024. Mohamed Azakir/Reuters

U.S. leaders are expressing optimism about prospects for a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hezbollah as the Biden administration, in its closing weeks, presses for progress.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, already having visited Beirut to parley with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, said he would go to Israel on Nov. 20 to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “bring this to a close.”