A senior Israeli official said, "There is genuine optimism, we are closer than ever to a deal. But life experience requires caution, and in Judaism, we bless only what has been completed." The assessment in Israel is that an agreement could be signed by Friday. The Americans aim to finalize the deal this week to begin releasing hostages as early as next week. Israel has vetoed the release of Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat as part of discussions on which terrorists would be released.