Israel and Hezbollah continued their heavy exchange of fire on Monday, causing many schools to close on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, even as officials signaled that the two sides appeared to be nearing the first cease-fire since their conflict began last year.

Israel struck Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold on Sunday as Lebanese state media reported intense fighting in the border area and Israel's military said around 250 projectiles were fired at its territory.

Diplomats and other officials say there have been several sticking points in ceasefire talks in the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, even as conditions for an agreement appear to be ripe.