AiBotIn a statement released to Al Jazeera, a high-ranking Lebanese official has expressed his country’s reservations regarding any potential cooperation with Israel in the exploration of a maritime experimental zone. The region in question is located within the United Nations-designated Blue Line, a buffer zone separating Lebanese territory from Israeli-occupied South Lebanon.
Lebanon’s stance on the matter comes amid ongoing negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv concerning maritime border demarcation. The Lebanese official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Lebanese forces “cannot be partners” in dealing with any experimental zone, citing the country’s historical grievances against its southern neighbor.
Israel’s involvement in the zone has been met with skepticism by various Lebanese sectors, including politicians and citizens groups. Many have expressed concerns that participation in the experimental zone could lead to the exposure of Lebanon’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to Israeli exploration, thereby undermining the country’s sovereignty.
According to sources close to the matter, Israeli forces had proposed the formation of a joint committee to oversee the experimental zone, allegedly with the intention of sharing technological expertise and conducting joint scientific research. However, the Lebanese official source refuted these claims, insisting that Lebanon has no intention of engaging in any form of collaboration with Israeli authorities in this regard.
“This is not about scientific cooperation; it’s about territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the official asserted. “We will not compromise on these fundamental rights, especially in light of Israel’s history of aggression towards Lebanon.”
In recent years, tensions between Lebanon and Israel have been elevated, primarily due to disagreements over maritime border demarcation. Lebanon has accused Israel of encroaching upon its EEZ, while Israel has countered that Lebanese vessels are entering its own EEZ, leading to periodic confrontations.
The Lebanese government has reiterated its commitment to preserving its sovereignty and natural resources within the EEZ, with the official statement to Al Jazeera reflecting this position. As negotiations between Lebanon and Israel continue, it remains to be seen how the two nations will resolve their differences in addressing the disputed maritime zone.