The US ambassador to Beirut on Friday urged Lebanon to recognize the urgency of direct talks with Israel, as Washington pushes for a path to end ongoing hostilities.“The US is keen for peace to prevail in Lebanon and to ensure that there is no war in the country. And I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen,” Ambassador Michel Issa said after meeting the Maronite Patriarch north of Beirut.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.In his first public remarks since the Iran war began, Issa welcomed recent comments by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun indicating a willingness to begin direct negotiations with Israel.Hezbollah, once again, dragged Lebanon into a devastating war with Israel after it launched rockets at Israel following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.However, Issa said it remains unclear how effective such talks would be in halting Israeli strikes, noting Israel has indicated it would not pause attacks during potential