Israel’s Supreme Court today rejected appeals that could delay implementation of a major US-brokered agreement to demarcate the maritime border with Lebanon.
Four groups of critics of the deal, including an opposition lawmaker, asked the court to force the government – which is seeking a speedy conclusion to the process ahead of the Nov. 1 election – to hold a full vote in parliament.
The court’s decision neutralizes one of the last obstacles in Israel, which could disrupt the implementation of the agreement.
Although the scope of the maritime delimitation agreement is limited, it marks a major compromise between the two neighbors who have a history of conflict and hostility, paving the way for energy exploration and de-escalating a flashpoint of recent tensions.
The US described the agreement as “a historic development”, as reported by Reuters and relayed by the Athens News Agency.
There have been some reactions in Israel regarding the government’s handling of this issue.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid said his government’s acceptance of the agreement was sufficient, while the opposition argues that the text of the agreement should be ratified by parliament, especially in the midst of an election period.
The agreement provides for the establishment of maritime boundaries between Lebanon and Israel for the first time, while it provides for the organization of a mechanism for the two countries to receive percentages from TotalEnergies for the exploitation of an offshore natural gas field, located on the maritime boundary line .
Source: News Beast
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