Nabih Berri: Israel's Actions Endanger Lebanon's Oil Resources

Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, stated on Thursday, February 7, that the issuance of exploration licenses for oil resources near a disputed maritime area threatens Lebanon's oil resources before drilling begins. Mr. Berri accused Israel of violating Lebanon's maritime boundaries due to the issuance of exploration permits in this area. The Israeli Foreign Ministry declined to respond to these accusations. Last year, the Lebanese government issued the first exploration licenses for its maritime territory to a consortium consisting of the Italian company Eni, the French company Total, and the Russian company Novatek. These explorations are taking place in two areas, one of which is located in the disputed maritime zone with Israel. After meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Berri said, "Israel has endangered our oil resources even before Lebanon begins drilling." He added, "As a result, it is necessary to warn the involved companies, including Eni (Italian) and others, and I will discuss this matter with the President of France as well." Lebanon, along with Cyprus, Syria, Israel, and Egypt, possesses part of the energy resources in the easternmost part of the Mediterranean Sea (Levantine Sea), where large natural gas reserves have been discovered since 2009. Lebanon has stated that it will not halt exploration work due to the dispute with Israel over part of this maritime territory. However, Total, the project executor, announced that it will not drill near the disputed area. This disputed maritime area spans 860 square kilometers and is adjacent to three significant energy resource zones in Lebanon. Last year, following severe tensions between Israel and Lebanon, which were exacerbated by Israel's construction of a border wall and the increased military capabilities of Hezbollah, U.S. officials mediated between the two countries.