India, April 10 -- Israel-Lebanon negotiations are expected to begin next week at the State Department in Washington, according to a person familiar with the plans.

The talks are expected to be handled on the American side by US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, and on the Israeli side by Israel's Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the delicacy of the situation. It was not immediately clear whom Lebanon was sending. Axios first reported the timing and location of the talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible."

Netanyahu said he gave the order in response to requests from...