New proposals may help resolve Israel, Lebanon oil and gas dispute
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New ideas proposed in US back-channel mediation of an Israeli-Lebanese maritime dispute over oil and gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean raise the prospect of a partial deal this year, Israel's energy minister said.
Israel kicked off a gas bonanza in the eastern Mediterranean almost a decade ago with the discovery of two huge gas fields. Others were found in Egypt and Cyprus, and companies are now exploring Lebanese waters as well.
One of the Lebanese blocks being explored, Block 9, borders Israel's maritime zone and contains waters claimed by both countries. The disputed border also touches two other not-yet-licensed Lebanese blocks.
This has led to years of brinkmanship with officials on both sides promising to protect their resources and warning about encroachment.
