US to join Israel-Lebanon direct talks

The United States is preparing for direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has returned to Washington for talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rubio's adviser Needham, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Issa. The State Department confirmed the meetings, which focus on the upcoming diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. This follows the earlier announcement that the U.S. would participate in the direct talks.