Lebanon demands Israel halt gas search

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Michel Aoun yesterday demanded Israel halt all exploration in an offshore gas field on its southern border, as part of a dispute over their shared sea frontier.

The countries, which are still technically at war, last year took part in indirect US-brokered talks to discuss demarcation to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration.

But those talks stalled after Lebanon demanded a larger area, including part of the Karish gas field, where Israel has given a Greek firm rights for exploration.

“Lebanon is within its rights to evolve its position according to its interest,” Aoun told visiting US envoy David Hale.

Aoun “demanded international experts … draw the line according to international law”, the presidency said in a statement.