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Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the Israeli-Lebanese agreement on the course of their joint maritime border
The political agreement on the course of the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon is a historic success. This breakthrough has once again shown what diplomacy can achieve even in seemingly deadlocked conflicts. The agreement was made possible not least thanks to the tireless mediation efforts of US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, to whom we owe a special debt of gratitude. The demarcation of the maritime borders is an important step towards greater regional stability and security and presents economic opportunities for both Israel and Lebanon. We encourage all stakeholders involved to continue to work together constructively to bring the agreement to a swift conclusion now.
Background information:
The US-brokered mediation process on the course of the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon has been under way since March 2019. The maritime areas off the coast in the border region are of great importance, among other things, because of the gas deposits there.
Amos Hochstein, Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs appointed by US President Biden, has been mediating in the conflict since the summer of 2021. An agreement on the course of the maritime border would be an important step in relations between Israel and Lebanon and also a major contribution to regional security. Furthermore, the two countries would be able to exploit the gas deposits on their respective side of the border, which would be immensely important, especially for Lebanon, whose economy is struggling greatly. While the agreement has yet to be signed, the political decisions have already been taken on both sides.