Israeli-Lebanese talks

Exclusive economic zone between Israel and its neighbors

Negotiations for determining the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon began on October 14, 2020. The first round took place at the UN base at UNIFIL headquarters in the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker, who mediated between the parties, and United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Ján Kubiš attended the first round of talks. Schenker also expressed hope that the move is only a first swallow on the way to further diplomatic moves.^[1]^[2]^[3] At this round, Israel was represented by , Director General of the Ministry of Energy, while Lebanon was represented by Brigadier General , Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Lebanese Armed Forces.^[4]

Postponement[]

The negotiations have since been postponed as both countries reached a stalemate. The Minister of Energy of Israel Yuval Steinitz had tweeted that "Lebanon has changed its position on the demarcation of maritime borders with Israel seven times." Lebanese maritime border demarcation inconsistency is the main reason why these talks have been stalled.^[5] Lebanese President Michel Aoun had wished to continue these negotiations and to properly demarcate the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border.^[6]

Development[]

On April 12, 2021 caretaker minister of Public works and Transport Michel Najjar signed a document which expanded Lebanon's claim to 1400 square kilometres^[7]