Hochstein's Proposal

“Lebanon Debate”

US envoy Amos Hochstein's declaration of a security border agreement between Israel and Lebanon, along with the related energy and oil issues, has raised numerous questions about the American approach to oil wealth, particularly for Hochstein, known as the godfather of the maritime agreement.

Middle East oil and gas expert, Laury Haytayan, highlighted the dimensions of the American project. In an interview with “Lebanon Debate”, Haytayan stated: "Hochstein was clear in his proposal. He addressed various security measures along with economic and investment motives in the energy sector, given his responsibility for the energy file within the US administration. He also mentioned a ground border agreement. With all these points, Hochstein has effectively put a plan to close the border file and conclude military confrontations."

However, Haytayan considers that the most concerning aspect of this proposal is its short-lived nature, a phase necessary to the US presidential elections, after which the new administration might reconsider the agreement.

Therefore, the expert confirms: “As usual, Hochstein will use the time factor, just like he did during the maritime border agreement, where he exerted pressure to have the agreement signed before the end of former president Michel Aoun’s mandate. Today, Hochstein is using the same methods to sign the ground border agreement before the end of President Joe Biden’s mandate, as it would be a significant achievement for him before his departure. It is worth noting that from an American perspective, closing the chapter between Lebanon and Israel would represent a "peace agreement" after resolving all contentious border issues, both on land and at sea.

Regarding the oil and gas file, the expert notes that after negative results emerged about Bloc 9 following Total's announcement of the absence of oil in the drilled wells, Hochstein was in Lebanon and declared unwavering American support for Lebanon's oil and energy sector.

Haytayan concluded that the most crucial aspect for Lebanese citizens is the border agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which will incentivize investments in the energy sector and potentially revive the popularity of the current political class that will sign the agreement proposed by Hochstein. Through this agreement, Washington aims to end confrontations, close the door to potential future conflicts in the south, and mitigate any future tensions.

سلام مع إسرائيل "بحكم الأمر الواقع"... هذا ما يطرحه هوكستين!