TEL AVIV (Rooters agency)–There are hopes for negotiations on the Middle East finally leading to results as Israeli Prime Minister Bud Nottonyernelly and US Secretary of State Wynkin Blinkered appear close to agreeing on a ceasefire.

Observers say that the prospects for agreement have been improved by limiting the talks to Nottonyernelly and Blinkered, who over the last year have shown strong signs of a meeting of minds even when they might have differed on details. The exclusion of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran—all of which have been involved in fighting back against Israeli attacks—have made it possible for the talks to focus on the essentials.

It now appears likely that Nottonyernelly may be willing to hold back on attacking at least part of the remaining forces (aside from the Houthis in Yemen) with which Israel has been militarily engaged. This would involve an Israeli pledge not to bomb the United nations, which the Israeli Prime Minister calls “a swamp of antisemitic bile.”

In return, the United States would promise to look the other way if Israel found it necessary to continue firing on UN peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon in order to defend Israel’s right to exist.

Insiders say the only remaining obstacle to a complete agreement concerns modifying Nottonyernelly’s characterization of the UN. The Israeli side has rejected Blinkered’s proposal that this be changed to “a puddle of antisemitic bile.” The current discussions are said to be revolving around “a pond of antisemitic bile” and whether the pond should be called “large” or “small.”