A historic deal: Israel and Lebanon reach an agreement over maritime borders
Israel and Lebanon reached a historic agreement to demarcate maritime areas and exploit the Karish and Qana gas fields. The dispute over maritime demarcation dates back a decade ago. However, tension spiked last June when Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened military action if Israel started operations on the Karish gas field. Hezbollah's threats were not limited to words; in a demonstration of its technological capabilities, the Shiite group sent three drones to the Israeli gas rig. These drones were unarmed, with Hezbollah claiming it launched them for a reconnaissance mission. The message was clear, by sending drones to the disputed gas field, Hezbollah launched a warning against Israelis, demonstrating that the Shiite group has the technological capabilities to target Israeli installations in the Mediterranean.
Despite the verbal escalation and harsh rhetoric from both sides, last week, the dispute seemed close to an end due to the negotiations sponsored by the United States. But after Lebanon's submitted a request for changes in the draft proposal, which Israel rejected, tensions were on the rise again, as Israeli forces stayed on high alert and prepared for a new confrontation with Hezbollah. The collision course between the two bitter enemies seems to have been avoided, as the deal received Hezbollah's green light.
Hezbollah's approval of a deal with its arch-enemy demonstrates Lebanon's dramatic circumstances due to the financial crisis that started in 2019. A negotiated solution is vital for Lebanon's plans to become a gas producer. The exploitation of gas is one of the few alternatives Lebanon has to try to mitigate the economic crisis; however, energy companies already involved in the exploration process have declared that they won't start operations until the dispute is resolved. Even with an agreement reached, it may take years for Lebanon to make profits from the Qana field. Still, the agreement can be considered a significant win for Lebanon, not just for the prospect of economic gains; this deal deactivated the tensions that could have led to another confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah. A new round of violence between the Jewish State and the Shiite group would have severe consequences for the whole of Lebanon. In line with the Dahiya doctrine, Israel's response wouldn't be limited to Hezbollah targets. The Israeli firepower will also be directed against civilian infrastructure. Lebanon is currently suffering from shortages of fuel, wheat, and electricity. In this already dire situation, a large-scale military operation by Israel could provoke a humanitarian catastrophe.
The US proposal has satisfied both the Israeli and Lebanese governments and even the most radical elements of Lebanese politics, but still, there might be obstacles on the horizon. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a "historic surrender," and members of the Knesset expressed similar views. A diplomatic resolution of complex issues, such as maritime borders and the ownership of natural gas resources between two hostile neighbours, represents a major achievement for US diplomacy in the region. But still, there is an element of uncertainty; a clash between Israel and Hezbollah has been avoided, but will this "pax maritime" remain after the Israeli elections?