A United Nations ship off the Lebanese town of Naqoura. (File photo Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP)
BEIRUT — Efforts by the US mediator in the Lebanese-Israeli maritime border negotiations continue to “narrow the gaps” in the dispute, with a “lasting compromise possible,” a White House official said in a statement to L’Orient-Le Jour Wednesday.
US energy envoy Amos Hochstein, who is mediating a dispute between the two countries over their maritime borders, “has not visited Lebanon or Israel in recent weeks,” but he “continues his robust engagement to bring the maritime boundary discussions to a close,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
It is not clear when Hochstein may next visit Beirut.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, reportedly emphasizing the importance of concluding the negotiations, according to a separate White House statement.
Hochstein is “in communication daily with Israeli and Lebanese officials—including Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab,” the White House official said to L’Orient-Le Jour. “We firmly believe that an agreement has the potential to promote lasting stability and economic prosperity for both countries involved.”
Hochstein came to Lebanon in early August as part of his round trips between Beirut and Tel Aviv. Hochstein last came to Lebanon on Aug. 1, saying afterward that he is “optimistic” about progress in the negotiations.