Israel’s security cabinet was preparing to decide whether to accept a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah, an official said, as the White House announced it believed a deal to end the fighting in Lebanon was “close”.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Israeli official told AFP that the country’s security cabinet “will decide on Tuesday evening on the ceasefire deal”.

US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed optimism over the prospects for a truce but said talks were ongoing.

“We believe we’ve reached this point where we’re close,” Kirby told reporters, adding “we’re not there yet”.