Special US Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell returned to Jerusalem on Thursday night to attempt a second round of peace talk initiation, the US State Department said.

Mitchell's arrival comes two days in advance of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's planned visit; he will meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Officials called Mitchell's trip preparatory, and said he met with Israeli army minister Ehud Barak.

A statement from American officials said, "These meetings will build on the intensive work the Administration has engaged in with both sides since the trilateral meeting last month."

State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley noted "challenges remain as we continue to work with both sides," in an interview with Reuters, but added that "Her visit reflects the administration's commitment - and her personal commitment - to work through the challenges we face in pursuit of comprehensive Middle East peace."

Local sentiment - particularly following increased Israeli military presence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, several checkpoint closures and Palestinian demonstrations against the Israeli occupation - remains skeptical around renewed talks. President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his demand that Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank be halted before talks resume, and has fully supported the UN-mandated Goldstone report despite American calls to drop the issue in favor of talks.