In a decision paving the way for the government’s approval and signature of the demarcation agreement, the Israeli Supreme Court today, Sunday, rejected the appeals made by opponents of the maritime border demarcation agreement with Lebanon, reasoning that the agreement requires the approval of Parliament.
Four Israeli right-wing organisations have filed legal challenges to the pact, arguing that it constitutes a surrender of “sovereign” Israeli territories and thus requires parliamentary approval.
Providers of appeals felt that such a solution might not be reached and the lands might not be released during the election time scheduled for November 1st.
The opponents of the agreement also attempted to force the government to hold a referendum on its conditions, according to “Agence France Presse”.
All of the objections to the merger were dismissed by a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court, and their complete text will be made public later.
The court’s ruling allowed the Yair Labid administration to officially and obediently approve the arrangement.
Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who could become prime minister again after the elections, has issued a warning that he has no intention of upholding the terms of the agreement.
It is significant that following protracted negotiations, the two nations reached a settlement to define their maritime borders and eliminate the primary barriers to developing the eastern Mediterranean’s gas reserves, under American backing.
After the United States sent a notice confirming separate approvals from both countries, the agreement will go into effect. The United Nations is then provided with Israel and Lebanon’s maritime border coordinates.
According to the deal, Israel will manage the Carrich field, while Lebanon will receive the Qana field; however, because a portion of the latter field lies outside the proposed demarcation line, Israel will receive a portion of any future profits from its exploitation.
In the case of the border demarcation agreement with Lebanon, an Israeli court rejects appeals.
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