Bou Saab to Al Mayadeen: We hope to reach a point where we can begin exploring and producing oil and gas

Lebanon's Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab told Al Mayadeen that Beirut has a strong position in the negotiations to demarcate the maritime borders.

Bou Saab further added that Lebanon is negotiating from a strong, unified position, clarifying that there are some reservations with regards to the US negotiator's plan. Beirut is keen on abiding by these reservations without forfeiting any of our rights.

He also considered that it is only natural that "Israel" would seek to use diplomacy to tackle this issue, because Lebanon is in a position of strength, further commenting that it is hoped that Lebanon would reach a position where it can begin exploring and producing oil and gas, but without compromising any of its rights.

Israeli media said on Wednesday that the Karish rig would not pump oil out of the contested area with Lebanon.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Security Minister Benny Gantz, and Energy Minister Karine Elharrar issued a joint statement assuring that the rig would not pump out oil from the contested area, as quoted by Israeli media.

Lebanese Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram announced on Tuesday that Hezbollah has appointed a major party official to pursue the issue of the demarcation of Lebanon's borders with "Israel", after a Greek gas exploration unit drew close to the disputed Karish field.

During a press conference at the Labor Ministry, Bayram said that the official, who is reported to be former Loyalty to the Resistance MP, Nawwaf Moussawi, was chosen by Hezbollah because of his vast knowledge in the field of border demarcation, and has a team of the most knowledgeable engineers and geographers who are working with him night and day.