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Saturday, October 29, 2022
In letter, Biden commits to guaranteeing Israel’s rights in maritime deal with Lebanon
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
US President Joe Biden has drafted a letter to Prime Minister Yair Lapid guaranteeing America’s commitment to the full implementation of the maritime boundary deal with Lebanon, and to Israel’s security and economic rights contained in the agreement, according to a senior US official.
The text of the letter was concluded between Israel and the US yesterday and Biden is expected to sign it early this coming week.
In the letter, Biden also stresses the US commitment to supporting Israel’s ability to defend itself and deter its adversaries, including its gas infrastructure and ships in the Mediterranean.
The US also recognizes the buoy lines stretching westward from Rosh Hanikra as the status quo line and opposes any attempt to change the lines without Israel’s agreement.
Washington also commits to supporting Israel’s economic rights in the Qana gas field and underscores that it will prevent Hezbollah from receiving any revenue from it.
Biden commits to standing with Israel against any attempts to violate the maritime boundary agreement.
The final text of the letter will not be released, according to an Israeli official.
The Times of Israel Community.