Israel and Lebanon agree on the first direct talks in 30 years / Article / LSM.lv

Israel and Lebanon agree on the first direct talks in 30 yearsUģis Lībietis00:00 / 02:39

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Israeli-Lebanese relations have been very tense for decades, and formally both countries are at war. For 30 years, there has been virtually no direct political negotiation between the two sides. However, in the last two years, with the involvement of representatives of the US presidential administration, it has been agreed to hold the first face-to-face meeting to discuss the disputed maritime border between Lebanon and Israel.

This was announced by the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabir Berry, who revealed that the talks are planned to be held in the border town of Nakura, in the United Nations Office. However, their timing is not yet disclosed. Most likely, it could happen in the second half of October.

According to Berry, the decisive role in organizing these talks was played by David Schenker, the US Secretary of State for the Middle East, who had raised the issue during his visit to Lebanon. The Israeli side claims that progress in the negotiations so far has been possible because, following the devastating explosion in Beirut, Lebanon needs new instruments for economic development due to the country’s deep financial crisis.

The issue of the Lebanese-Israeli maritime border is not only sensitive to the current political tensions.

It is believed that there may be significant hydrocarbon deposits in this region in the Mediterranean, so the right to discover the fields is at stake.

In 2018, Lebanon signed a contract for the first wells to explore for both oil and gas. Initial wells have shown the presence of gas, but not to the extent that it can be used commercially. Underwater wells have not been drilled in one of the sectors, as Israel has claimed part of the area.

According to the Lebanese representatives, there is currently no question of resolving the land border dispute between the two countries, which is an even more controversial issue.

Commentators, on the other hand, are convinced that any talks must also have the support and approval of the radical group Hezbollah. As is well known, both Israel and the United States consider Hezbollah a terrorist group.

The agreement reached has been welcomed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. According to him, such a decision is historic and justifies three years of intensive diplomatic efforts.

Pompeo is convinced that such talks will serve the national interests of both countries and the United States. However, commentators add that the United States is very interested in making progress in these negotiations as well, so that it serves as another achievement of the US administration before the presidential elections in November.

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