BEIRUT. Production and joint development of fields natural gas in the waters between Lebanon as well as Israel would allow for a US-sponsored agreement between the two countries that resolves years of disagreement over demarcation maritime boundaries. The agreement, if signed, would reduce the escalation of military tensions along the land borders of the two states and provide a vital source of income for Lebanon’s failing economy.

The pact, which must be approved by the Lebanese parliament and the cabinet in Jerusalem, was hailed by political leaders in Beirut and Tel Aviv as a historic event. “This is an achievement of historic significance that will strengthen Israel’s security, bring billions into our national economy, and guarantee stability on our northern border,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said yesterday.

President Michel Aoun posted a message on his Twitter account saying that “the final version of the text satisfies Lebanon, provides answers to its objections and protects our rights to our natural resources.”

Pending approval

“If all goes well, Washington’s mediation will lead to a historic agreement,” said Elias Busham, head of the Lebanese negotiating team and deputy speaker of parliament. Beirut government officials hope the deal will be accepted by the Shiite group Hezbollah, which controls southern Lebanon. The group has threatened to attack Israeli underwater gas production facilities on the disputed maritime border between Israel and Lebanon.

According to Western media reports, Hezbollah flew drones over Israeli oil rigs, three of which were shot down by Israel in early July. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz put the Israeli military on high alert last week due to a stalemate in maritime border talks. Speaking in the Knesset, Prime Minister Lapid emphasized the geopolitical importance of the agreement: “Exploitation of the fields will limit Lebanon’s dependence on Iran, tame Hezbollah and bring regional stability.” Defense Minister B. Gantz added: “Israel wants to have a stable and economically independent neighbor. The agreement is mutually beneficial.”

Hezbollah, which has the largest parliamentary group in the Beirut parliament, declined to comment on the talks yesterday.

The agreement only covers the maritime border between the two countries, not the disputed land border, which has been guarded by UN peacekeeping forces for more than four decades. No less difficult was the definition of maritime boundaries, especially after the discovery of significant natural gas reserves. Israel is already developing the field, setting up a series of buoys marking an unofficial maritime boundary. Beirut initially denounced the Israeli move as a one-sided provocation, but backed down two weeks ago.

Dealing with the crisis was a priority for the Biden administration, and US presidential special envoy Amos Hawksteen worked on and presented a plan for two countries’ access to territorial waters.

Although the details of the agreement have not yet been released, press reports say that the issue of the two countries’ EEZs has been resolved. Lebanon will gain access to gas sources hitherto located in disputed waters, and Israel will be able to put the new Karis well on stream immediately with Beirut’s permission.

Lebanese officials stressed that the present agreement will not make the state of Israel, unrecognized by Beirut, a partner of Lebanon, and the way in which the proceeds from the Kuwana well, which is geographically owned by both countries, is distributed remains to be determined.