After the Lebanese experienced hours of optimism regarding the imminent conclusion of a maritime boundary agreement, the situation has entered a critical phase due to Israeli stances emerging under pressure from internal political competition in preparation for elections. There have been leaks about Israel's rejection of the recent remarks submitted by Lebanon to the American mediator. If electoral motives alone are indeed behind this stance, observers believe it means that the agreement will not be signed, at best, until after the elections and the formation of a new government in Israel. However, if there are other factors at play, the situation takes on a different context, especially when linked to the statement from the Israeli Defense Minister, who instructed the northern front to prepare for increased security tensions.
Political sources following the situation predicted that matters are unlikely to escalate beyond electoral posturing, "as the American mediator has a wide margin to convince both the Lebanese and Israeli sides to accept the agreement and move forward to gas exploration in the Karish and Qana fields." In this regard, member of the "Development and Liberation" bloc, MP Qassem Hashem, clarified that Lebanon has provided its comments on the American proposal based on its vision and interests, "this does not mean that attempts to indirectly blackmail Lebanon will succeed." He expected in a statement to "Anbaa," that the Israeli side's signing of the delimitation agreement would be delayed, "we have grown accustomed to such Israeli adventures and blackmail attempts, and in any case, Lebanon has spoken its mind and will not back down from its position."
