Historic Maritime Deal Solidifies Official Borders With Israel
According to the US Department of State, “The United States congratulates the Governments of Israel and Lebanon for finalizing their agreement, facilitated by the United States, to establish a permanent maritime boundary. This historic achievement will advance security, stability, and prosperity for the region, and it demonstrates the transformative power of American diplomacy.” [US Department of State]
US Mediator Claims Maritime Deal Will Hold During Transition In Elected Leadership
According to Reuters, “Amos Hochstein, the U.S. envoy who negotiated a maritime deal between Lebanon and Israel, said on Thursday he expects the agreement to hold even amid changes in leadership in both countries.”[Reuters]
Lebanese Governors Mandated To Maintain Clean Water Supply Amidst Cholera Outbreak
According to L’Orient Today, ” Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi on Thursday asked governors “of all districts” to “fully monitor” the implementation of water treatment and “tighten their supervision on all sources of water,” he announced in a statement. His request comes amid Lebanon’s ongoing cholera outbreak, which started Oct. 5.” [L’Orient Today]
Potential Changes To Lebanon’s Energy Consortium
According to L’Orient Today, “Lebanon and Israel signed a US-mediated maritime border agreement today that allows Lebanon to start gas exploration in its exclusive economic zone and there are hints that Qatar Energy could soon join the TotalEnergies-led consortium licensed to explore Lebanon’s offshore gas fields.” [L’Orient Today]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Be Of Good Cheer From Lebanon Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “While there’s not much to be shouting for joy about, there are some small treasures worth exploring for the upcoming holidays that come straight from the heart. I’m talking about a book collection, cuisine elements, and a food emporium ready to serve you.”
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center Defeating The Deadlock? Michael Young
Michael Young writes, “With Aoun scheduled to leave office at the end of October, a few days ago parliament entered the ten-day period prior to the president’s departure, during which it is constitutionally obligated to convene to elect a successor. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for a session on October 24, but as in the preceding sessions parliamentarians failed to vote in a new president. Where are we today? The two major Christian blocs in parliament, the one headed by the Lebanese Forces and the other by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), have, predictably, neutralized each other. Both know that any new president will need the approval of at least one of the major Christian blocs to enjoy legitimacy, and are acting accordingly. Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, and Gebran Bassil, the FPM leader, appear to have concluded that neither has a chance of being elected, so that both are moving on a backup plan. For Geagea, it is to work toward the election of what he calls a candidate of “confrontation” against Hezbollah; for Bassil, it is to ensure that any new president will accept Bassil’s onerous conditions if he wants to receive FPM backing. Neither scenario is easy to implement, or sustain, amid continued state disintegration and foreign pressures.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.
