U.S. seeks to resolve an Israel-Lebanon tense maritime border dispute

It has been revealed that the United States has been mediating between Jerusalem and Beirut for several months, in an attempt to resolve a tense dispute involving a maritime border between Israel and Lebanon. The maritime border dispute, over a triangular area of sea of around 860 square-kilometers, has raised tensions between the two countries after Lebanon put up an offshore energy exploration tender, which drew the participation of several international companies. Lebanon’s decision to move forward on providing exploration licenses in the disputed waters, led to an exchange of threats and condemnations. Nevertheless, Senior officials in Jerusalem told TV7 that under American mediation, there is a mutual desire to resolve the issue.

As part of Washington’s efforts to alleviate the tensions between Israel and Lebanon, U.S. secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Beirut today, during which he discussed with Lebanese officials the maritime border dispute, as well as Iran’s growing influence in the country, by means of its proxy Hezbollah. That said, Secretary Tillerson appeared to soften Washington’s tone toward the Iranian-backed organization, conceding to the fact that Hezbollah is indeed an integral part of Lebanon’s “political process.” Nevertheless, the American top diplomat indicated that while Washington supports a free and democratic Lebanon, it must resist foreign influences that harm Beirut’s ability to govern and asserted that the United States will continue its efforts at strengthening those institutions that bolster Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.”