The file concerning the maritime border demarcation with the occupied Palestinian territories to the south continues to evolve in light of the drone operation launched by the resistance over the "Karis" field. In this context, "Al-Akhbar" learned that the Israeli enemy was considering filing a complaint against Lebanon with the Security Council in response to the drones, but changed its mind at the request of the U.S. After U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea successfully pressured the Lebanese Prime Minister to issue a statement disassociating Lebanon from responsibility, and to avoid affecting U.S. President Joe Biden's upcoming visit to the region, which will see him accompanied by his advisor on global energy security and the mediator in the border demarcation file, Amos Hochstein. The latter is supposed to meet with Israeli Energy Minister Karine Elharrar and members of the Israeli negotiating team to discuss the Lebanese stance. Sources following the file reported that "the Americans are exerting pressure on a group of Lebanese politicians to prevent any negative developments that could affect the U.S. mediator’s tour, as they seek to create a positive atmosphere suggesting a near resolution to the demarcation file to leverage it for de-escalation."
Meanwhile, Al-Manar TV reported yesterday from high-ranking sources following the file that nothing official has occurred that could be relied upon in this regard. The new development is that the Qatari side has presented itself as a facilitator to advance the negotiations, in coordination with the U.S. administration. The source added that "the Israeli side informed Lebanon through the Americans that it intends to start extracting gas in early September," and that "Lebanon is concerned about Israeli malice aimed at buying time to impose a fait accompli. Therefore, Lebanon conveyed a clear message to the U.S. ambassador regarding Israeli hostile actions if they occur before an agreement."
In this context, Israeli media have resumed discussing the drones, suggesting that "Tel Aviv should file a complaint, freeze its mediation with Lebanon, and continue preparations for gas production," asserting that "any concession to Lebanon's demands will lead to further extortion from Hezbollah."
Before the arrival of the U.S. mediator, there began to be leaks suggesting that "the border demarcation file has moved to a new advanced stage," as there are "signs indicating that the Israeli enemy does not oppose Lebanon obtaining the entire Qana field without financial compensation following circulating information about an American effort in this regard." It noted that "the discussions now revolve around a compensatory maritime area in exchange for conceding the entire field." The sources added that "this area is related to demarcation lines, which would require a meandering line giving the Israeli enemy a maritime area after annexing the field to its designated part," though these developments remain unconfirmed.
