Indirect negotiations focused on drilling rights will be brokered by US, held at UN facility in Lebanese town; Energy Minister Steinitz to head Israeli delegation

After visit from senior US State Department official, negotiations that likely required tacit Hezbollah approval reportedly set to take place in southern Lebanon next month

Axios report says major point of contention is who will mediate talks, with Israel wanting Washington alone, while Beirut looks for UN oversight

Companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction targeted 'for being owned, controlled, or directed' by terrorist group

Territorial dispute centers on offshore oil and gas drilling rights in part of Mediterranean claimed by both countries

Whereas the US sees the terror organization as hindering much needed government reform, France has shown a willingness to work with the political arm of the Iran-backed group

Security Council bill on UNIFIL pushes Lebanese government to give investigators 'full access' to some sites; reduces ceiling for number of UN troops on border after US pressure

Visiting ravaged city, State Department undersecretary David Hale says intelligence agency will help probe 'at the invitation of the Lebanese'

Unclear if official passed on warning, given during brief, impromptu inspection of physical security at the facility; assessment briefly noted in State Department cable

After Beirut explosion, US president backs demonstrators in 'legitimate calls' for 'transparency, reform and accountability'