Israel’s Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi confirmed Oct. 1 that Israel and Lebanon will soon discuss demarking their maritime border. Talks are expected to be launched after Israel's Sukkoth holiday in mid-October and will be conducted under the auspices of the United States. Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri has also confirmed the news.
"I would like to thank US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his staff for their dedicated efforts that have led to the beginning of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon on the demarcation of the maritime boundary. This is an important step that has come after three years of diplomatic contacts and would not have been possible without US mediation. I believe that success in the talks will significantly contribute to the stability of the region and promote prosperity for the citizens of both Israel and Lebanon. I thank Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz for the successful cooperation between our two ministries on advancing this issue," tweeted Ashkenazi.