Israeli airstrikes are hitting Lebanon with airstrikes as negotiations progress toward a ceasefire between the country and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants

An Israeli airstrike hit 20 sites in southern Lebanon and central Beirut. The strikes preceded talks on a US-mediated ceasefire with Hezbollah, with optimism expressed by officials ahead of a vote by Israel's security cabinet.

The cease-fire would officially be an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. It includes a Lebanese lawmaker who has been negotiating on Hezbollah’s behalf. But Hezbollah, a paramilitary faction and political party which is backed by Iran, is not officially a party to the agreement.