Hamas is unlikely to compromise in Gaza, despite the decision by its ally, Hezbollah, to stop fighting. A deal in Gaza would also be harder for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

Analysts say significant gaps remain, including over the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza and Hamas’s future role.

"Gaza will never be a threat to the state of Israel again...We will reach a decisive victory there. Lebanon is different," said Israel's Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, a member of the inner security cabinet and a former head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency.