International Energy Expert, Roudi Baroudi, lauded efforts exerted by the United States, especially those of the State Department envoy, Amos Hochstein, to settle the maritime border dispute between Lebanon and Israel. He noted that the mediation is on a positive track, which should enable Lebanon to proceed within one month with oil and gas explorations, notably in the southern blocs, more specifically bloc number 9, where the Qana field is located.Baroudi said Israel’s proposal to transit through the Lebanese Bloc number 8 is no more than a shrewd maneuver for a specific target, given that the tripartite gas agreement among Israel, Cyprus and Greece – which extends all the way to Italy – that was signed on January 3, 2020, is not economically viable, and as such will not see the light of day. In other words, the current volume of gas extraction under this agreement does not justify an expense of between 12 and 14 billion Euros for a 48-radius pipeline that stretches for 1,125 miles. Baroudi stressed the positive progress of the current negotiations and lauded the efforts exerted on an international level to safeguard Lebanon’s rights. He also noted that the most encouraging signals are those of the Lebanese leadership that is entirely in agreement on the negotiating process. He expressed optimism that a positive outcome that satisfies all parties to the dispute is now within reach.
