Israel and Lebanon close to an agreement on maritime borders. Lapid: "We are at the final details"

Israel and Lebanon

are close to closing a

between the two countries. 

This was announced by

at the government meeting in Jerusalem.

"We are discussing the final details - said Lapid - and for this reason it cannot be said that it is over. But, as we have asked from the first day, the offer protects all Israeli security and diplomatic interests".

The draft agreement was sent to both sides by US energy envoy Amos Hochstein.  

"It took 10 years to reach this agreement which will strengthen - continued the premier - Israeli security and economy". 

Lapid, whose government is a transitional executive until the parliamentary elections on November 1, then explained that, after a final legal check, the text of the agreement will be submitted to the previous premier Naftali Bennett and to the defense minister, Benny Gantz.

The main element of the document - beyond the political significance of an agreement between two hostile countries - is the Karish gas field in the sea, long disputed with Lebanon.

@handle

Yair Lapid, Prime Minister of Israel, 2 October