After months of negotiations mediated by the United States, both countries applaud the agreement that will allow them to exploit gas in the Mediterranean
“historic agreement” between the Lebanon e Israel. Both enemy countriesthrough US mediation, have managed to agree on their shared maritime border after months of negotiations. Despite the limits of this pact, the announcement comes to alleviate the economic and security concerns of both countries. Furthermore, Israel is preparing to hold elections in three weeks while, in Lebanon, the political class scores a point amid constant accusations of inaction.
Israel has been the first to confirm it. “East unprecedented deal will strengthen our security, boost our economy and bring cleaner, more affordable energy to countries around the world,” Prime Minister Yair Lapid On twitter. Later, he has been the Lebanese president, Michel Aoun, who has accepted the final proposal of the United States although it has not yet been officially announced. As he enjoys the last few weeks before the end of his term next 31 OctoberAoun has described the final version as “satisfactory for Lebanon, especially since it meets Lebanese demands”.
Israel and Lebanon have reached an historic agreement to settle our maritime boundary dispute.
This unprecedented deal will strengthen Israel’s security, bolster our economy and deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to countries around the world.
— Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) October 11, 2022
For its part, Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia and political party with parliamentary representation, has shown its support for the State’s position and has assured that it has not “interfered” in the negotiations. Thus, this Tuesday, authorities from the three countries have removed the ghosts of a possible regional war that the tension due to the inability to reach an agreement had generated. The agreement resolves territorial dispute at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the area, Lebanon intends explore if there are pockets of natural gas, which could help alleviate the economic suffocation suffered by its population. In nearby waters, Israel has already found commercially viable amounts of hydrocarbons. Hezbollah has already threatened to use force against Israel if it explores for gas near the disputed area before Lebanon can.
Far from a peace agreement
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It won’t be until within two weeks when the Israeli Government approves the final draft of the agreement. In the middle of the electoral campaign for the fifth elections in three years that will be held next November 1st, Yair Lapid celebrates an agreement to place at the altar of his political career. Lebanon and Israel are officially at war since the creation of the Hebrew state in 1948. As neighboring countries, both claim some 860 square kilometers of the Mediterranean Sea. On both sides of land and sea borders, politicians in every country are capitalizing on this success at a time when they really need it.
The deal still must work through both political systems. Not easy. Up to Israeli AG, courts, and voters — internal matters for Israelis. For US interests, a resolution that allows gas for Lebanon and more gas for Israel to flow without risk of conflict is a win. 10/10
—Dan Shapiro (@DanielBShapiro) October 11, 2022
Also from the United States, they celebrate as a victory the resolution that allows both Israel and Lebanon obtain gas without risk of conflict. In addition, in some way, this agreement implies a de facto recognition of Israel and its borders. Until now, Lebanon does not recognize the existence of the State of Israel and therefore its legitimacy to exist. The powerful presence of its archenemy Hezbollah in the country, which this year marks four decades of “resistance”, has been one of the great deterrents to any rapprochement between the two countries. Now, this recognition may limit Hezbollah’s freedom of action.