The post Trump says Iran deal could be reached ‘over next week’ after fixing ‘glitch’ of Israel-Hezbollah fighting appeared first on The Times of Israel.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel did not mention a new cease-fire, but the Lebanese government said one was taking shape.

Trump said he had persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon plans for a major operation in Beirut.

It’s been called the last strategically significant castle in the world — and now Israel holds it. Israeli troops captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as it campaigns against Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in the country.

US Secretary of State proposes phased de-escalation roadmap during direct diplomatic talks with both Lebanese and Israeli leaders.

Waltz's comments came as Trump claimed he had personally intervened to prevent a major Israeli military operation in Beirut and had helped secure an understanding between Israel and Hezbollah to halt attacks.

An Israeli soldier was killed in south Lebanon fighting, bringing the total military deaths to 26 since March. Read more about the ongoing conflict.

Israel has captured the 12th-century Beaufort castle that overlooks southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The move suggests Israel is planning an extended military presence in Lebanon.

The announcement came after US President Donald Trump said he had persuaded Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate.

The UN has called on all sides to respect the ceasefire following an Israeli military push into Lebanon, which threatens to derail US-Iran peace talks. Israel ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs as Hezbollah targeted Haifa,