Israel’s government approved June 23 a decision to search for oil and natural gas in a maritime area known as "Block 72" (formally known as "Alon D"), a disputed sea area located near the north of the country, and not far from Lebanon. The decision enabled the launching of an offshore bidding round that should last several months. The closing date for bids is set for Sept. 23, and the successful bidder will be announced at the end of October.
Israel and Lebanon have been engaged in a dispute over their maritime borders for several years now. Thus, the June 23 decision generated a harsh Lebanese reaction. President Michel Aoun warned July 2 that the decision to start oil and gas explorations in Block 72 is “extremely dangerous," insisting that Lebanon will not allow others to encroach upon its internationally recognized waters. He also called upon Lebanon’s Supreme Court to convene over the issue.
