On Thursday, Lebanon and Israel signed copies of a U.S.-mediated sea border agreement and delivered them to the United Nations in the coastal border town of Naqoura, marking a major breakthrough in relations between the two countries, which have been officially at war since Israel’s establishment in 1948.
Approximately 860 square kilometers (330 square miles) of the Mediterranean Sea including offshore gas reserves are claimed by both Lebanon and Israel. Lebanon hopes that delineating its maritime borders will clear the door for gas exploration, which will help it emerge from its terrible economic crisis, which has left three-quarters of its population impoverished. Israel expects that the agreement will lessen the likelihood of war with Hezbollah, the militant group in Lebanon supported by Iran.
The agreement to demarcate the maritime border is the result of months of indirect negotiations mediated by U.S. envoy for energy issues Amos Hochstein.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a statement, “This historic victory will improve security, stability, and development in the region, and it illustrates the transformative potential of American diplomacy.” “Equally advantageous to both Israel and Lebanon, it will promote Israel’s economic and security interests while promoting much needed foreign investment for the Lebanese in the midst of a catastrophic economic crisis. Soon, the area and beyond will realize the rewards of these energy resources, which will promote security, prosperity, and stability.”
Lebanon and Israel sent delegations to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, which obtained signed copies of the maritime border agreement and confirmed coordinates from both nations.
In a statement released on Thursday, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden stated that the agreement benefits both Lebanon and Israel.
The statement added, “This agreement brings us one step closer to realizing a vision for a more stable, connected, and prosperous Middle East, with benefits for all the people in the area.”
Before traveling to Naqoura, Hochstein met with President Michel Aoun, interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday morning. He then traveled to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
Hochstein told reporters at the Baabda Presidential Palace, “This agreement was drafted with the understanding that it would be between two countries without diplomatic connections.” I believe that the good will and good faith efforts of all parties will propel this ahead.
The deal was signed by Lapid after Hochstein met with Aoun, according to a statement from his office.
Lapid stated, “There is a rare consensus among all security systems regarding the significance of the accord.” The Israeli Cabinet adopted the agreement in an extraordinary session. “This is an economic achievement as well. Yesterday, the Karish Platform commenced gas production.”
Last summer, tensions rose momentarily between Israel and Lebanon as Israel began digging in the Karish gas field during negotiations. Prior to the accord, Lebanon viewed the area as contested, but Israel claimed that it was part of its U.N.-recognized exclusive economic zone.
Contrary to what had been stated by certain Israeli officials, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated in a televised address that the signing of the deal did not signify recognition of Israel or the normalization of relations between the two countries.
“We in Hezbollah consider what transpired from beginning to end to be a tremendous success for Lebanon, the state, the people, and the resistance,” he stated.
On the other side of the border, Lior Haiat, a spokesperson for the office of the Israeli prime minister, stated: “This day is historic. We have secured an agreement with a hostile nation that would secure our maritime border and provide benefits to Lebanon.”
After both parties signed the agreement, it was not immediately apparent when drilling would commence. However, cash-strapped Lebanon is hopeful that French oil giant Total will begin drilling early next year.
The disputed waters would be divided along a line traversing the “Qana” natural gas field, under the deal. The Lebanese side would be responsible for gas production, while Israel would be reimbursed for gas extracted from its side of the border.
In a televised address earlier this month, Aoun confirmed Lebanon’s support of the sea boundary agreement. After its government had accepted the agreement, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected four legal challenges against it.
Lebanon awarded licenses in 2017 for an international consortium that includes France’s Total, Italy’s ENI, and Russia’s Novatek to proceed with offshore oil and gas production for two of 10 blocks in the Mediterranean Sea. Officials, including Energy Minister Walid Fayad, have stated that Qatar is interested in filling the void left by Novatek’s withdrawal.
Hochstein stated, “I sincerely believe and hope that this will be an economic turning point in Lebanon, ushering in a new era of investment and sustained economic support.”
Since then, Lebanon has gone out to Syria and Cyprus to initiate direct negotiations over its maritime northern and western borders.