"Israel" raised the level of alert for fear of escalations with Hezbollah

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that "Israel" raised the level of alert for fear of "possible escalations in the north in the shadow of upcoming tests on the Karish oil field's pipeline connection to Israel's shore."

According to Haaretz's assessment, as long as there is no clear progress in the negotiations on the issue of demarcating the maritime borders between Lebanon and occupied Palestine, "the crisis between the countries [Lebanon and the Israeli occupation] is in full swing and the fear of escalation remains."

Israeli media reported that the Israeli security establishment "authorized the gas exploration company [Energean] to complete the last stage of the inspection process in the Karish field in preparation for the start of gas extraction."

The newspaper quoted a political source as saying that "Israel is ready on the ground for every scenario in which Hezbollah seeks to try to target the platform against the background of the experience."

On Saturday, Security Minister Benny Gantz said that "if Hezbollah tries to attack the Karish rig Israel will 'defend itself with determination'." Gantz also added that "he hopes that Israel will be close to a good agreement with Lebanon," claiming that "the agreement advances regional stability and reduces Iran's influence in Lebanon."

Simultaneously, the French Foreign Ministry announced that it is actively participating in the US mediation to reach an agreement demarcating the maritime borders between Lebanon and "Israel".

On Friday, the Israeli cabinet authorized the two Prime Ministers, Yair Lapid, and alternate PM Naftali Bennett, as well as Defense Minister Benny Gantz to make decisions without any further meetings in the event of an escalation in the north.

Earlier, Israeli media called on the settlers of the north to go out to the streets and seek protection, noting that "the agreement with Lebanon is the only savior for the residents of the north, which is the difference between life and a mass disaster."