"Netanyahu approves ceasefire with Hezbollah in principle"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a ceasefire with Lebanese militant Hezbollah in "principle," CNN reported.

CNN quoted a source as saying that Netanyahu made the decision yesterday (24th) local time while meeting with some officials.

However, the Israeli government is concerned about some of the cease-fire being discussed and the deal is expected to be finalized only when other issues are resolved, the source added.

In a related development, Israeli media also pointed out that Netanyahu agreed in principle on the plan proposed by the United States at the meeting the night before, but did not fully approve the ceasefire.

"Any agreement depends not on words or expressions, but on enforcing two main points," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told parliament on discussing a ceasefire in Lebanon.

"The first is to stop Hezbollah from moving south of the Ritani River, and the second is to stop Hezbollah from rebuilding its military establishment and rearmament in Lebanon," Sarr stressed.

Earlier, the U.S. proposed a cease-fire to Lebanon, and last week, U.S. President Joe Biden's senior adviser to the Middle East, Amos Hochstein, visited Lebanon and Israel to discuss details.