Israel signs ‘historic’ maritime agreement with Lebanon

Jerusalem: Negotiations, going on for the past several months, over the disputed maritime zone have been successful. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced that a historic maritime agreement had been reached between Israel and Lebanon. But there has been no announcement from Lebanon regarding the matter. On the other hand, analysts are questioning whether Hezbollah, the terrorist organisation in Lebanon that does not recognise Israel’s existence, would accept the deal. The current government of Lebanon is believed to be under the influence of Hezbollah. In such a situation, it will not be easy for the Lebanese government to streamline this agreement with Israel.

Israel and Lebanon claim that the Karish natural gas field in the Mediterranean is within their territorial waters. Israel has even started drilling for gas here, claiming its sovereignty over the area. Infuriated by this, Lebanon called on the international community for justice. Accordingly, negotiations were going on between Israel and Lebanon over the disputed maritime area with US mediation.

A week ago, there were reports that the talks had collapsed after Israel rejected Lebanon’s demands. Israel’s Defence Minister Benny Gantz and the head of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad had even warned their security forces to be prepared, predicting the possibility of a significant attack by Hezbollah. Therefore, warnings were issued over a potential conflict between Israel and Hezbollah over the Karish case.

But Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced Tuesday morning that an agreement had been reached over the maritime zone. This will strengthen Israeli security and benefit the Israeli economy by billions of dollars, Prime Minister Lapid claimed. Lapid also said stability would be established along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun reacted on social media, saying that end to the negotiations was satisfactory. However, the Lebanese President has not announced anywhere that an agreement with Israel was reached. Therefore, the maritime dispute between Israel and Lebanon is claimed not to have been settled as yet.

Two days ago, a senior Hezbollah leader threatened Israel with a military response. The commander threatened that Hezbollah would never keep quiet regarding safeguarding its interests. Analysts claim that Hezbollah will not negotiate with Israel in the current situation.