Ariel Ezrahi, an expert on energy diplomacy in the Middle East, said: “None of us have any illusions that this is a peace agreement, or anything like that.
However, “we cannot underestimate the importance of this deal, not just for Lebanon and Israel – but for the entire region and beyond,” said Ezrahi, analyst with the Atlantic Council. Duong, a research group based in the US, added. . “It brings peace and quiet in the eastern Mediterranean, which is also good news for Europe, as Europe is looking to diversify its energy supply,” Mr. Ezrahi said.
The agreement settled a decades-old dispute over the location of the two countries’ exclusive economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean, demarcating the boundary where both countries have sole resource rights.
Lebanon also recognizes Israel’s existing control over a three-mile stretch of water near their common coast, while Israel grants Lebanon the right to drill in a formerly disputed gas field that stretches between economic zones. economic Israel and Lebanon, according to a senior. Western officials and high-ranking Israeli officials.
In return, Israel will receive compensation for any gas taken from the field, known as Qana, located within Israel. And Lebanon has renounced any claim to a second nearby gas field, Karish, allowing Israel to proceed with gas exploration there without fear of retaliation by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has threatened to disrupt Israel’s efforts to exercise in Karish, if Israel continues the process before the deal is signed. Earlier this year, the Israeli military shot down a number of drones that Hezbollah had sent as a warning about an oil rig in Karish, leading to fears of a broader escalation should negotiations break down. .
Analysts say the deal offers safety to Israel and a glimmer of long-term hope for Lebanon, which has been hit by a deep economic and political crisis that has caused shortages. high energy and lead to power failure.
