Israel, Lebanon agree to energy deal

The United States has negotiated an agreement between Israel and Lebanon over the natural gas supply in the Mediterranean Sea. The two countries have officially been at war since 1948 and have had no formal communications since then. If the plan is approved, Israel and Lebanon will make two separate deals with the U.S. to split control of the contested portion of the sea. Lebanon may still produce gas from Israel’s side as long as it pays royalties.

Is it likely to get approved? The agreement still has to go through the Israeli parliament. Prime Minister Yair Lapid, the caretaker leader since the government collapsed this summer, might not have the power to push it through. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would cancel the deal if he were re-elected. The agreement could help Lebanon through its ongoing energy and financial crises. Its leaders are expected to approve without sending the deal through parliament.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report in World Tour on the persistent economic downturn in Lebanon.