Lebanon to search for natural gas in Israeli waters
The Lebanese government has hired a Norwegian firm to conduct a seismic survey on the border of Israel’s exclusive economic zone. Lebanon intends to parcel out the rights to search for natural gas and oil in the area, which may also include part of Israel’s exclusive economic zone, according to information obtained by the Israeli government.
As a result, the cabinet will be asked to approve an official decision on Sunday detailing the borders of Israel’s exclusive economic zone. This decision will be submitted to international institutions, including the United Nations, in response to a similar decision submitted by Lebanon six months ago. Lebanon told the UN at the time that it controlled areas included in Israel’s exclusive economic zone.
“A lack of an Israeli response to the Lebanese machinations could be interpreted by legal bodies as tacit consent,” the cabinet resolution states. Israel and Lebanon have never agreed on their maritime border; hence the need for an official statement detailing Israel’s claim.