Lebanon to Go Ahead with Oil Exploration despite Israel Claims

Lebanese Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil vowed that Beirut will go ahead with oil and gas exploration near its maritime border despite Israeli claims to the field that provoked wide condemnation in the tiny Arab country.

Abi Khalil's comments to The Associated Press came a day after Israel's defense minister described as "very provocative" Lebanon's offshore oil and gas exploration on the countries' maritime border and suggested that Lebanon had sought bids from international companies for a gas field which is by all accounts ours, Naharnet reported.

The Israeli official's comments drew sharp condemnation from Hezbollah and Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who described Lieberman's comments as a "blatant provocation that Lebanon rejects."
 (FNA)
 2/2/18
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Related:

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• Lebanon slams Israel's intent to demarcate maritime border