Israel, Lebanon finalize “historic” maritime demarcation deal brokered by US

Israeli and Lebanese leaders finalized a maritime demarcation deal brokered by the U.S. on Thursday, bringing a measure of accommodation between the enemy states as they eye offshore energy exploration.

Leaders from the three countries have all hailed the deal as "historic," but the possibility of a wider diplomatic breakthrough appeared to remain slim — with no joint signing ceremony.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun signed a letter approving the deal at his palace in Baabda in the presence of the U.S. senior advisor who mediated the accord, Amos Hochstein. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed separately in Jerusalem, saying the deal was a "tremendous achievement" that had produced Lebanon's de facto recognition of Israel.

"I think what's important now that we reached this milestone is not just this milestone but what happens from here. And I truly believe and hope that this could be an economic turning point in Lebanon for a new era of investments and continued support to lift up the economy,” Hochstein said.

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