Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Elias Bu Saev, referred today (Thursday) to the continuation of negotiations regarding the demarcation of the maritime border and Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s rejection of the amendments submitted by Lebanon, and stated that “90% of the agreement has already been completed, but the remaining 10% leave us at a critical point.” At the same time, the President of Lebanon, Michel Aonemphasized that “our words close the door to interpretations that are not in line with our political requirements”.
The former Lebanese foreign minister, Jubran Basil, who is the head of the Christian party “The Free National Movement”, which is close to Hezbollah, stated that “the alternative to the maritime border demarcation agreement with Israel is war”, as reported on the “Lebanon 24” website. Likewise, the Lebanese “Al-Mayadeen” network, which is close to the Hezbollah organization, quoted the Lebanese president as saying that “Lebanon’s comments regarding the American statement include its winnings in its exclusive economic zone.”
In the meantime, a senior member of the National Security Council at the White House said to Walla! Because the talks between Israel and Lebanon on the maritime border “are at a critical point” but the administration believes that an agreement can still be reached. “President Biden’s special envoy Amos Hochstein continues intensive talks with the parties to bring the negotiations on the maritime border to a conclusion,” said the American official. “The gaps have narrowed and we remain committed to reaching an agreement and believe that a compromise can be reached.”
Earlier, a senior political official referred to the publication in Al Akhbar of the amendments that the Lebanese demand to be made in the maritime border agreement with Israel, and noted that the Prime Minister rejects these comments. “The State of Israel has accepted Lebanon’s comments on the draft agreement. Prime Minister Yair Lapid was informed of the details of the new substantial changes that Lebanon is seeking to make in the agreement, and ordered the negotiating team to reject them,” the source noted.
It was also reported: “Prime Minister Lapid made it clear that Israel will not compromise its security and economic interests in any way, even if it means that there will be no agreement soon. Israel will produce gas from the Harish rig as soon as this is possible. If Hezbollah or anyone else tries to damage the Harish rig or threaten us – The negotiations on the maritime line will stop immediately and Hassan Nasrallah will have to explain to the citizens of Lebanon why they do not have a gas rig and an economic future.”