Officially, Israel and Lebanon are at war with each other, but a new agreement could give Israel more security, both countries more income and Europe more energy.
In the sea beyond the border between Israel and Lebanon there are several promising gas fields. But due to the conflict between the two countries, it was impossible to make money from them.
With American help, countries in the eastern Mediterranean have now reached an agreement that could allow both countries to exploit the gas.
The prerequisite is that the prime minister of Israel and the president of Lebanon be able to convince their citizens that it is a good deal.
Controversial in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that there is talk of a historic breakthrough. He claims that the agreement “will enhance Israel’s security, contribute billions to the Israeli economy, and ensure stability along the border in the north.”
But former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to condemn the deal. He claims to be rewarding extremists in the Shiite group Hezbollah. Netanyahu believes that this will only lead to more violence.
Hezbollah is backed by Iran and has been behind many cross-border attacks with Israel.
Lapid’s government is weak after he lost support in Parliament. So it can be difficult to get the agreement approved.
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ungovernable country
Agreement across the United States of America
The negotiations were led by American diplomat Amos Hochstein. He has extensive experience from the region. Under President Barack Obama, he also tried to negotiate an agreement on an area of 860 square kilometers off the coast of the two countries.
At that time it did not reach anywhere.
Donald Trump also tried to bring the two countries to an agreement, but to no avail.
Officially, Lebanon and Israel are still at war. Therefore, they will not enter into an agreement with each other. Instead, both have now entered into agreements with the United States as a counterparty.
Biden takes credit
Therefore, the US President was satisfied with the agreement on Tuesday evening, Norwegian time.
“It is now important that all parties follow through on their commitments and work to implement the agreement,” he says. in the current situation.
He also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his contribution to the process.
open to gas
Along Israel’s border in the north is a high wall, primarily intended to secure northern Israel against Hezbollah attacks.
Similar security measures cannot be taken at sea. Countries also differed about exactly where the border went.
For both countries, it was more than just a security issue. Large gas reserves are located under the sea floor.
Hezbollah threatened sabotage if Israel began extracting gas before an agreement was reached. The newspaper reported on Tuesday Times of Israel The Iran-backed group is behind the deal.
good for lebanon
For Lebanon, the agreement allows for the start of gas exploration. The New York Times wrote that it could be of great help to the country, which is going through an almost constant economic and political crisis.
Middle East expert Ariel Ezrahi says: New York times That there is no question of a peace agreement. However, he says it could be of great importance to the entire region.
– Provides peace and tranquility in the eastern Mediterranean. He also says this is good news for Europe, which is trying to diversify its energy supply.
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