The Israeli decision to all but endorse a US plan to redraw the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel near the disputed gas fields of Karish and Qana has drawn heavy criticism from the Israeli Right, as well as from its allies in the US.
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Former US Ambassador to Israel under Donald Trump lamented Monday that this was a squandered opportunity that put to waste years of hard work.
"We spent years trying to broker a deal between Israel and Lebanon on the disputed maritime gas fields. Got very close with proposed splits of 55-60% for Lebanon and 45-40% for Israel. No one then imagined 100% to Lebanon and 0% to Israel. Would love to understand how we got here," Friedman tweeted.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz also voiced his concern over the US plan, alleging that White House had Israel capitulate to Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah
"I am deeply troubled that Biden officials pressured our Israeli allies to hand over their territory to the Iran-controlled terrorist group Hezbollah. Another topic for the next Republican Congress to investigate," he tweeted.
The emerging deal, which still needs official signature and approval by Israeli and Lebanese authorities, would have Israel concede some of the economic waters it currently controls, in exchange for royalties stemming from potential gas discoveries north of the border. Hezbollah has repeatedly warned it might strike Israeli facilities in the area if the border dispute is not resolved, although it is unclear if the terrorist group will accept the new deal.
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