Israel and Lebanon 'edge closer to a ceasefire deal

Israeli diplomat says truce 'days away'

- SALLY ABOU ALJOUD, JOE FEDERMAN and SAM METZ

ISRAEL'S ambassador to the US has revealed a ceasefire deal with Lebanon-based militia Hezbollah could be just days away.

Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio there remained points to finalise and that any deal required agreement from the government.

But he said "we are close to a deal" and that "it can happen within days".

Israeli officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security Cabinet would convene today to discuss a ceasefire. Among the issues that remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations.

The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon.