Gantz says Israel not ceding ‘one millimeter’ on security issues with Lebanon deal

At a press conference on the Lebanon maritime border deal, Defense Minister Benny Gantz stresses that Israel has not given up “one millimeter” when it comes to its security needs in the agreement.

“The agreement guarantees continued freedom of action in the area adjacent to the coast and wherever necessary,” says Gantz. “It establishes a new ‘security equation’ with regard to the sea and the strategic assets of the State of Israel, and has the potential to reduce Iran’s influence on Lebanon.”

Gantz emphasizes “that we have not given up one ‘millimeter’ that is critical to our security.”

The deal, he adds, is also important economically, and boosting Lebanon’s economy “will help strengthen stability in the entire region.”

The defense minister says the government approval of the deal so close to the upcoming election “is not optimal,” but is necessary because otherwise the “window of opportunity” may close.