The Israeli administration has approved a maritime border agreement with Lebanon under the mediation of the United States, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced. In his speech at the meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid stated that Lebanon recognized the state of Israel with the agreement. “It is not every day that the United States and France come out in support of the agreement, providing security and economic guarantees. This agreement strengthens and fortifies Israel’s security and our freedom of action against Hezbollah and the threats from the north,” Lapid said, adding that the agreement is also an economic success regarding the gas production at the Karish gas field.

There was a dispute over 856 square kilometers of maritime space between Israel and Lebanon.