JERUSALEM — Israeli and Lebanese leaders appear to have agreed to a U.S.-brokered deal that will let both countries exploit gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean, ending a decades-long dispute over their maritime border, easing growing military tensions and potentially providing billions of dollars to Lebanon’s collapsing economy.
The agreement, which has to formally approved in both countries, was hailed by leaders in Beirut and Jerusalem as a historic breakthrough.
“This is a historic achievement that will strengthen Israel’s security, inject billions into Israel’s economy, and ensure the stability of our northern border,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement Tuesday.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Sunday that he “hopes to complete all arrangements related to the demarcation of the southern maritime border in the next few days” and “the gaps that were negotiated over the past week have narrowed.”
“If everything goes well, [Washington’s] efforts could imminently lead to a historic deal,” Bou Saab, Lebanon’s lead negotiator on the issue, told Reuters after receiving the text of the deal from American officials Tuesday.
Dadouch reported from Beirut.
Steve Hendrix
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