Lebanon has signed a deal with three oil and gas consortia that stipulates a plan to begin offshore exploratory drilling in Lebanese maritime waters early next year. Tensions are rising, however, as Zionist Israel threatens resulting aggression, claiming that a small part of block 9 – an area that extends across Lebanon’s southern border – is rightfully their own. Lebanese Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil refuses to acknowledge such a claim, stating:
“We have confirmed and reaffirmed that Block 9 is located within Lebanese maritime waters and is fully subject to the sovereignty of the Lebanese state”
France’s Total – a major shareholder in this agreement – insists that drilling will take place 25km (15 miles) north of the border: a location solely within Lebanese maritime territories. Nevertheless, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman maintains that any gas field found therein belongs to the State of Israel.
Map showing clear demarcations of blocks and supposed shared territory belonging to Israel [source: executive-magazine.com]
This disagreement has of course angered the Lebanese coalition government. In response, Lieberman threatened a “full strength” invasion if drilling takes place. Lebanese President Michel Naim Aoun, however, stands strong, asserting that he will use any means necessary to protect Lebanon’s borders. At a recent conference in Beirut, he had these words to say:
“I reiterate today our categorical rejection of the Israeli enemy’s sovereignty of Lebanon and its sacred right to invest all its economic resources. And the army will not spare any method available to confront any Israeli aggression, whatever it costs”
An attempt to lessen the hostility has also been made by President Aoun as he recently reached out to U.S. diplomat and assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs David Satterfield. Nonetheless, no solution was found other than the suggestion that both parties share the block. Of course, this was met with disdain and disapproval from multiple bodies in Lebanon.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun says the LAF will defend Lebanon’s sovereignty [source: almanar.com]
Hezbollah, after a bloody clash with Israel in 2006 that left more than 5000 Lebanese citizens brutally wounded or dead, has vowed to defend Lebanon’s rightful territory. Its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says that while this is a dispute over block 9, it remains a “battle for all of Lebanon”.
Interestingly, Israel and Lebanon have no diplomatic relations and, technically, they’d be in the midst of war if it weren’t for the blue line border first enforced under UN control in 1978.
But this wouldn’t be the first time both parties were at ends with each other, nor will it be the last. In 1949, an armistice agreement between Israel and neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, was drawn up by the United Nations Security Council, ending hostilities in the Arab-Israeli War; an agreement Israel hasn’t adhered to multiple times over. Article 1, section 2 of this armistice posits that:
“No aggressive action by the armed forces – land, sea, or air—of either Party shall be undertaken, planned, or threatened against the people of the armed forces of the other…’
This point, it seems, is one that’s been perpetually overlooked by the State of Israel as it continues to threaten Lebanon’s sovereignty with unnecessary aggression. Therefore, amidst an already heated feud between both parties, pressure over ownership doesn’t seem to be quelling.
Map showing the Blue Line demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, established by the UN in 1978.
There is, however, a lot to be gained for Lebanon’s economy if this deal continues. Lebanon has an 80 billion dollar financial obligation that sits at 145% of their current GDP, making their debt the 3rd highest owing in the world. Therefore, this contract is enormously beneficial for the Lebanese Republic and additionally provides them a chance to keep their heads above water, so to speak. Further, the agreement states that at least 80% of staff involved must hold Lebanese citizenship. Not only would this create a huge amount of employment for the Lebanese people, but it could very well aid in issues such as Lebanon’s waste crisis and poor infrastructure as well.
So whether or not Israel’s threat holds any weight is yet to be seen. With the Lebanese government and Hezbollah tightening their resolve over state sovereignty, one can only hope we don’t see another cruel and needless war arise as a result.
