Talks between Israel and Lebanon over their disputed maritime border might resume as early as next week, Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, reported on Thursday.
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Meanwhile, a Lebanese official who spoke to Reuters without being identified due to the sensitivity of the issue said the US had informed Lebanon that talks would resume on Monday, May 3.
A second Lebanese official said the resumption of talks would coincide with a visit by US mediator John Desrocher, who is due in Lebanon on an unspecified day next week.
Negotiations between the two foes were launched last October to try to resolve the dispute, which has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area, but have since stalled.
Lebabon is pushing for an additional 1,430 square kilometers (550 square miles) to be included in Lebanese territory as the country seeks to capitalize on possible natural gas reserves.
Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz's office said Israel was considering a renewal of talks but "based on the known territory which is in dispute."
Israel already pumps gas from huge offshore fields, while Lebanon has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters.
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