Skip to main content

Lebanon expands maritime territorial claim amid dispute with Israel

Last year's talks between Israel and Lebanon on their gas-rich Mediterranean Sea border failed to yield an agreement.
Lebanese people sit in boats in the Mediterranean Sea as the Tungsten Explorer, a drillship to explore for oil and gas off the coast of Lebanon, is seen in the background in Dbayeh north of the capital, Beirut, on May 15, 2020.

The Lebanese government expanded its maritime territory on Monday amid a dispute with Israel on the sea border between the two enemy states.

Lebanese Transportation Minister Michel Najjar announced that the ministry demarcated its Exclusive Economic Zone in the Mediterranean Sea, the state’s National News Agency reported. Najjar said Lebanon is dedicated to opposing Israel on the issue.

“I am committed to the school of thought built on ethics, patriotism, determination and absolute hostility toward Israel,” he said in a statement.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.