The Axios website, citing Israeli and Lebanese officials, reported that an announcement of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel may be issued following the ongoing round of negotiations today in Washington. Israeli Channel 13 also quoted Israeli officials as expecting the possibility of signing an agreement between the two sides tonight. In the same context, a source familiar with the course of the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations reported that the atmosphere has been positive so far, with progress recorded in the “model areas” file and the joint framework of action, pending final approvals from Beirut, Tel Aviv and Washington. The source indicated that the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, communicated with the Prime Minister as part of following up on developments. He explained that US official Marco Rubio reaffirmed his country's support for Lebanon, pointing out that everything related to the Lebanese issue is being negotiated with the Lebanese side, allowing support for the country in various fields. The sources added: If the text of the joint framework is approved, it will be signed based on what was decided in the last cabinet session. The source indicated that two areas were proposed to be worked on according to the principle that each of them includes an occupied part, which requires the start of a gradual Israeli withdrawal according to a sequential schedule, leading to a complete withdrawal. He added that the two areas will include an occupied area adjacent to an unoccupied area, allowing the Lebanese army to move from the non-occupied areas towards the occupied areas. The source pointed out that the joint framework of action will not include a timetable for the start of withdrawals, provided that this item will be completed in subsequent negotiating rounds, as part of an effort to establish a stable security situation on the southern border.