Israel’s government approved the maritime boundary agreement with Lebanon this evening. All the ministers voted in support except for Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, who voted against, and Communication Minister Yoaz Hendel, who abstained.  

Earlier today, Israel’s Security Cabinet advanced approval of the agreement with Lebanon today. A statement by the cabinet read, “There is importance and urgency in reaching a maritime agreement between Israel and Lebanon at this time. Security Cabinet members express support for promoting the authorization process in the cabinet.”

All members of the Security Cabinet but Shaked had voted in favor of proceeding. Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett rejected the request of his party colleague to veto the deal and also voted in favor. Bennett argued that the deal does not merit “celebrations of victory nor cries of despair as if it were a catastrophe,” adding that it was “not a historic diplomatic victory, but it is also not a terrible surrender. Not everything that is good for Lebanon is bad for Israel. There are times when it is possible to reach a positive outcome for both parties.”