TEL AVIV, May 12, 2008, (WAFA)-Egyptian Intelligence chief Omar Suleiman said on Monday that he had 'high expectations' that a cease-fire deal could be reached between Israel and Hamas Islamists controlling the Gaza Strip, Haaretz reported.

Suleiman, arrived in Israel on Monday for meetings on the outcome of recent talks between representatives of Egypt and Palestinian factions in the Strip.

He met first with Barak in Tel Aviv on a cease-fire deal Cairo is proposing, and was due to meet later in the day in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi.

Asked by reporters about his expectations, Suleiman held up his thumb in a gesture of optimism and replied in English: 'High expectations.' Barak said he hoped Suleiman's visit would 'produce productive discussions.'