Following threats from the Israeli Chief of Staff regarding war, the U.S. envoy for global energy security, Amos Houckstein, began a visit to Lebanon. His agenda includes three main points: first, to reassure the Lebanese that Washington does not believe there is an imminent war between Lebanon and Israel; second, the border demarcation issue, in which the U.S. plays a mediating role; and third, the matter of importing gas and electricity from Egypt and Jordan.
According to sources, Houckstein will emphasize in his meetings with officials, which will continue until today, that the United States does not want any escalation and seeks to maintain stability. He will inform the relevant parties that the U.S. has no interest in Lebanon's collapse, but rather that Lebanon should help itself to benefit from its oil resources amid a global need for oil and gas and rising prices.
Regarding the border demarcation issue, Houckstein will reiterate his request for a clear answer from the Lebanese about what they want to complete the demarcation process. However, information confirms that President Michel Aoun will inform the U.S. envoy in their meeting today that Lebanon refuses to provide any written documentation and insists on the framework agreement, namely returning to indirect negotiations in Naqoura under U.N. supervision with American participation. Lebanon also rejects any violation of its rights and insists on Line 23, encompassing an area of 860 square kilometers, in addition to the "Qana Field."
According to the information, Lebanon will ask Houckstein to pressure Israel to halt gas extraction from the "Karish Field" until the dispute is resolved, as continued Israeli operations could lead to tensions. Meanwhile, Houckstein stresses that no one has an interest in escalation at this stage.
Amid various Lebanese positions calling for oil companies to come to Lebanon and begin exploration without waiting for an agreement with Israel, Aoun received yesterday the Revolution and Change MPs who visited the three presidents and explained why he refuses to amend decree 6433 and adopt Line 29 as Lebanon's right, making the area where Israel operates disputed territory, considering this line as a negotiating line.
Regarding Egyptian gas, Houckstein informed his hosts that many difficulties obstruct the delivery of gas and oil, related to Syria and the "Caesar Act." According to sources, the United States rejects any benefits that the Syrian regime would gain, either financially or in terms of electricity, from the transit of gas and electricity to Lebanon, especially since Damascus raised its demand from 2 percent to 8 percent of the gas and electricity that would pass through it, which the Americans do not accept.
