Amal Movement calls on companies to "start their work" in disputed maritime boundary

BEIRUT — The Amal Movement, on Monday called on companies engaged in the exploration of offshore hydrocarbons in Lebanon "to start their work in block 9,” located within Lebanon's Qana field which exceeds line 23 of the Lebanese-Israeli maritime borders “and not to waste more time.”

Here’s what we know:

    • This call was made after Israel deployed a floating production, storage and offloading vessel on June 5, to the disputed Karish offshore gas field, leading to the increase of the already existing calls for an amendment of Decree No. 6433 of 2011 to affirm line 29, an additional 1,430 square kilometers to Lebanon’s maritime borders

    • In a statement, the party called on the continuation of indirect negotiations with Israel, via the US mediator into the maritime border negotiations Amos Hochstein, and on the other hand called on “companies engaged in exploration to begin their work in Block 9 on the southern border, and waste no time as the Israeli enemy violates Lebanon's rights.”

    • During the indirect negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, many are calling for President Michel Aoun to demand territory as far south as line 29, however, Aoun has so far not signed a decree that would amend the Decree No. 6433 of 2011, affirming Beirut’s stake to Line 29 of the maritime borders instead of 23, which currently dictates its outlined maritime borders.

    • The statement also called for the formation of a strong new government capable of dealing with the economic crisis the country is facing.