Israel moves forward with ceasefire talks

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Israel and the terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon keep trading deadly airstrikes even as U.S. officials reported Monday a ceasefire deal is close.

"We're hopeful we can get one," said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. "But we need both of the parties to get to yes."

Miller would not get into the specific sticking points, but recent incidents across the Middle East could thwart any progress.

"It was a monstruous act of terror that demands swift justice," said Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations.

Danon confirmed a rabbi was kidnapped and murdered in the United Arab Emirates but did not say who was responsible.

"I trust that the UAE government will make sure that they will pay the price for that," he said.

The world's top war-crimes court also issued arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas leaders for the war in Gaza. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood, condemned the charges against Israel.

"This decision does not make the pursuit of peace any easier," Wood said during Monday's Security Council meeting.

Officials confirm the U.S. is also still trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. Wood urged other countries to put the pressure on the terror group.

"The Security Council has an obligation to not let Hamas off the hook," he said.