Lebanon expects written offer on maritime border agreement with Israel within days

U.S. embassy official in Beirut says Hochstein continuing 'his robust engagement to bring the maritime boundary discussions to a close' with gaps narrowing; deal can diffuse tensions from Hezbollah threats against Israel
Reuters|
Lebanon expects a written offer from U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein concerning the demarcation of a maritime border with Israel by the end of the week, Lebanon's presidency tweeted on Monday.
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  • Lebanon's deputy speaker of parliament Elias Bou Saab met with Hochstein last week during a visit to New York and briefed President Michel Aoun on the outcome, the presidency added.
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    עמוס הוכשטיין
    עמוס הוכשטיין
    Amos Hochstein
    (Photo: AFP / DALATI AND NOHRA)
    A U.S. embassy official said that Hochstein was continuing "his robust engagement to bring the maritime boundary discussions to a close".
    "We continue to narrow the gaps between the parties and believe a lasting compromise is possible," the official said.
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    דגל לבנון דגל ישראל
    דגל לבנון דגל ישראל
    Flags of Israel and Lebanon
    (Photo: shutterstock)
    Hochstein has been shuttling between Lebanon and Israel - enemy states with a history of conflict - in a bid to forge a compromise over the maritime boundary that would allow both to explore for offshore energy reserves.
    A deal could defuse a potential source of conflict between Israel and the heavily armed, Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which has warned against any Israeli exploration and extraction in the disputed waters.
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