Israel seeks talks with Lebanon

Occupied Jerusalem: The Israeli government is calling on Lebanon to open peace talks.

Government spokesman Mark Regev says Israel is interested in "direct, bilateral" talks. He says "every issue of contention" is on the table, including a key border dispute over a small piece of land controlled by Israel.

The dispute over the Chebaa Farms enclave is a key sticking point between Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

Wednesday's announcement came amid a flurry of developments in the region. Israeli officials say they are close to a prisoner swap with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon, and Israel also recently opened peace talks with Syria.

Meanwhile, a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is set to begin on Thursday.