The Israeli government ratifies by an overwhelming majority the principles of the agreement demarcating the water borders with Lebanon
The Israeli government on Wednesday approved by a large majority the principles of the agreement demarcating the maritime border with Lebanon, which was reached between the two countries with American mediation, and that it will be submitted to the Knesset for final approval, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s office.
“Members of the government expressed their support for the importance of the maritime agreement with Lebanon and for the necessity of reaching it during this period,” a statement said.
The statement added, “They also approved the prime minister’s proposal to present it to the Knesset,” noting that “the relevant authorities reviewed the principles of the agreement and its impact on strengthening national security and regional stability during the session,” noting that “the agreement and the explanatory notes related to it will be presented to the Knesset”.
For two years, the United States mediated between the two countries.
Yair Lapid said Tuesday that Israel and Lebanon had “reached a historic agreement”.
He added that the agreement “will enhance Israel’s security, inject billions into the Israeli economy and ensure the stability of our northern borders”.
“The agreement and the explanatory notes related to it will be presented this evening in the Knesset and will be made known to all MPs”.
After 14 days, “the agreement is submitted to the government for approval”.
The Lebanese presidency announced in a statement on Tuesday that “the final version of the agreement… is satisfactory to Lebanon, especially as it meets the Lebanese demands,” and “preserved Lebanon’s rights to its natural wealth”.
The maritime border demarcation agreement comes before the Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s term expires on October 31.
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden praised the agreement, describing it as a “historic breakthrough” and urging all parties to abide by it.
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced Wednesday evening that the agreement between Israel and Lebanon regarding the demarcation of the maritime borders removes the possibility of a new armed conflict between the Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel.
Lapid said at a press conference in Jerusalem, “This agreement eliminates the possibility of armed confrontations with Hezbollah.
Israel doesn’t fear Hezbollah… but if war is avoidable, it is the responsibility of the government to do so”.
It is noteworthy that the agreement on the common maritime borders helped the two neighbors, Israel and Lebanon, to settle their long-standing dispute over natural gas extraction in the Mediterranean.
The natural gas fields located in this region can alleviate the current energy crisis in Europe.
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that Israel and Lebanon, after decades of disputes, had reached an agreement on the joint maritime borders in the Mediterranean, noting that this step was a historic achievement.
The Lebanese presidency later said in a tweet on Twitter: “The final version of the offer satisfies Lebanon, meets its demands and preserves its rights to its natural wealth”.
