In June 2022, tensions were flaring over Israeli gas rigs at the Karish offshore natural gas field, which Jerusalem said is part of its UN-recognized exclusive economic zone, while Beirut insisted it is in a disputed area.
Washington has welcomed the willingness of the parties to resolve their dispute. Once outstanding issues are addressed, there will be potential for greater stability, security and prosperity for Israel, Lebanon as well as the entire region.
What are the strategic ramifications of the upcoming talks? Will Hezbollah’s threats lead to an escalation on the northern border with Israel?
Orna Mizrahi talked about the implications for the two countries of the festering maritime dispute.
Orna Mizrahi is a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. She joined INSS in December 2018, after a long career in the Israeli security establishment: 26 years in the IDF (ret. Lt. Col.) and 12 years in the National Security Council (NSC) in the Prime Minister’s Office (she served under 8 heads of the NSC). Mizrahi served as an intelligence analyst in the Military Intelligence Research Division and as a senior officer in the Strategic Planning Division. She specialized mainly in research and strategic planning on regional issues, with an emphasis on the countries of the first circle and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Photo Credits Victor Rault.
