Dispute over gas fields in the Mediterranean: Israel and Lebanon agree on border

Shortly before the end, the talks seemed to fail – but now, after a long dispute, Israel and Lebanon have agreed on a border in the Mediterranean. It’s about billions in revenue from the gas fields there.

After decades of dispute, Israel and Lebanon have agreed on the course of their sea border in the Mediterranean Sea. Israeli Prime Minister Jair Lapid called the agreement “historic” and Elias Bou Saab, a member of the Lebanese negotiating group, described the agreement as satisfactory. Both states should therefore have access to gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean.

After the discovery of the gas fields, the dispute had escalated further. The Karish gas field is located in an area that both Israel and Lebanon have claimed as their own exclusive economic zones. The terrorist organization Hezbollah had described it as a “red line” before the agreement, should Israel start gas production there.

Both states are hoping for gas billions

The country now wants to start doing this as soon as possible. “This historic agreement will strengthen Israel’s security and inject billions into the Israeli economy,” Lapid said. The Israeli security cabinet will meet on Wednesday and discuss the agreement. After that, the government’s approval will be obtained at a special meeting of the full cabinet before the agreement is presented to parliament.

The gas fields could also become relevant for Europe, because Israel promised to supply more gas to Europe after the Russian attack on Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis. Lebanon hopes gas production will help the country deal with its economic crisis. The national currency has drastically lost value since 2019, and poverty and unemployment have recently risen sharply.

Problems just before the end of the negotiations

The agreement was brokered by the United States. Problems arose just a few days ago – Israel had declared that it would reject the changes requested by Lebanon. After further discussions, the two apparently came to an agreement. Both sides stated that their respective demands and comments had been fully implemented.

The result is also remarkable because both countries have been officially at war since 1948 and have no official diplomatic relations. Soldiers patrol their common land border on behalf of the United Nations.