Senior Lebanese officials visit the drilling platform off the Lebanese coast (Tuesday, August 22, 2023).
Lebanon launched on Thursday the long-awaited exploratory drilling for offshore oil and gas, ten months after a landmark maritime deal between Beirut and the occupation regime.
Exploration drilling has begun on offshore Block 9 located in the south of Lebanon’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad announced at a news conference Thursday.
Minister Fayad referred Thursday to a “historic day,” coming at the end of a process that began in 2010, and which has seen decisive stages in 2018 (the award of licenses to the consortium) and 2022 (the maritime agreement), L’Orient-Le Jour reported.
Seismic Survey in Block 8
He also announced that Lebanon is about to embark on another process in parallel, “namely the three-dimensional seismic survey of Block 8,” adjacent to the one where exploration has just begun.
Lebanese caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad during press conference on Thursday (August 24, 2023).
The ministry has appointed two companies to conduct the study: UK-based Geoex MCG and Brighskies Geoscience (BSG). These companies’ respective representatives — executive vice president Jean-Philippe Rossi and CEO Nizar Abou Ismaïl — took part in the press conference. Rossi remarked during the press conference that the study is being conducted at no cost to the Lebanese state.
French oil giant TotalEnergies is leading the consortium drilling at the Block 9, along with Italian company ENI and state-owned QatarEnergy.
Earlier on Tuesday, Fayad said that the results of this drilling will be released after 67 days, hoping that the move will bring good things for the Lebanese.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Fayad and caretaker Minister of Public Works Ali Hamieh visited the drilling rig that was moved into position about 120km off the Lebanese coast also on Tuesday. They were flown to the rig aboard a helicopter provided by TotalEnergies.
Lebanon has pinned its hopes on potential hydrocarbon reserves as a source of foreign currency for the country which has been grappling with unparalleled financial turmoil after its currency’s value plummeted by more than 98 per cent against dollar. Source: Agencies Lebanese maritime wealthLebanon offshore oil and gasmaritime deal
Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, announced a groundbreaking chapter in the nation’s energy narrative as an oil and gas exploration ship embarked on a historic mission in Block 9.
This remarkable undertaking marks the initiation of drilling operations in the offshore realm, unlocking a potential wellspring of economic transformation and sustainable development.
The vessel’s arrival, witnessed by a spectrum of high-ranking officials, signifies the convergence of efforts to harness Lebanon’s untapped natural wealth. As the nation takes this momentous stride, complexities related to environmental stewardship, regulatory frameworks, and equitable wealth distribution stand as pivotal challenges to overcome.
This report delves into the inauguration, implications, and aspirations tied to this pivotal juncture, underscoring the collaborative determination to secure Lebanon’s energy future.
Firstly, the inauguration of drilling operations was marked by the arrival of the Transocean Barents drilling rig offshore Lebanon on Wednesday morning.
Subsequent to fulfilling its designated tasks, the Transocean Barents ship reached the port of Beirut, where it underwent on-site inspection. This examination was conducted under the supervision of Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayad, Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin, Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ali Hamieh, Director-General of the Port of Beirut, Omar Ayatani, and delegates from the Petroleum Sector Management Authority. The event was graced by the participation of dignitaries from diverse Lebanese departments.
Why Qana 96?
In his address, Minister Hamieh reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport as the logistical backbone of Lebanon’s oil and gas exploration endeavours. He emphasized the ministry’s role in establishing a robust logistical base at the Beirut port, which facilitates essential licensing for exploration vessels and equipment transportation from the Lebanese mainland to the drilling platform. The transportation of personnel to and from the drilling platform was also highlighted, with the helicopter route originating from Rafic Hariri International Airport and the approved logistical base.
The minister stressed the profundity of the oil and gas exploration undertaking in Lebanon, expressing optimism that this venture would yield favourable and promising outcomes. Hamieh fervently aspired for Lebanon to emerge as a beacon of optimism among oil-producing nations, fostering a renewed sense of hope for the Lebanese populace.
Hamieh bestowed the nomenclature “Qana 96” upon the helicopter air navigation route connecting Beirut’s airport and the drilling platform. This appellation pays tribute to the martyrs of the Qana massacre in 1996, a pivotal milestone in Lebanon’s history with the Israeli enemy massacres, which laid the groundwork for triumph and resurgence.
إطلاق اسم #خط_قانا_96 على خط الملاحة الجوي للهليكوبتر بين مطار رفيق الحريري الدولي بيروت ومنصة الحفر والتنقيب في البلوك ٩ أتى تخليدا لشهداء مجزرة قانا عام 1996،والذي نعتبره تاريخاً مفصلياً وتأسيسياً للانتصار، وعلى أمل أن تكون هذه المحطة اليوم بارقة الأمل وبداية النهوض للوطن ككل pic.twitter.com/bnYXXaFrzk
The vessel “Janus 2,” operated in collaboration by Total Energies, Eni, and Qatar Petroleum, has successfully culminated its environmental survey within the confines of Block 9, situated within Lebanese waters, according to reports from media sources.
“We harbor the anticipation of witnessing Lebanon’s transformation into an oil-producing state,” expressed Walid Fayad, Lebanon’s Minister of Energy and Water within the caretaker government. He provided insights into the timeline of the drilling process, with expectations for the unveiling of results within a span of two to three months.
In an earlier discussion with Sputnik, Fayad unveiled projections that the oil and gas exploration drilling operations would reach fruition approximately 90 days after their initiation.
French enterprise TotalEnergies, in alignment with partners Eni and QatarEnergy, formalized an agreement to initiate drilling and exploration activities in Lebanese waters off the coast of Beirut, with operations commencing in late August.
TotalEnergies released a statement elucidating that the Transocean Barents rig has positioned itself at a distance of around 120 kilometers from the Beirut coast. The inaugural helicopter destined to shuttle personnel to and from the rig has stationed itself at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
The arrival of this equipment marks a significant stride in the preparatory stages leading up to the imminent drilling of the exploration well later this month, TotalEnergies emphasized.
Originally, the consortium consisting of TotalEnergies, Eni, and Novatek of Russia held the initial exploration license for Block 9. However, the group saw the withdrawal of Novatek due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Through intermediation by the United States, Lebanon and the Israeli occupation finalized a maritime border deal in late October.
It’s July Victory’s Legacy
On the 17th anniversary of July War victory this Monday, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah articulated that the endeavor of delineating maritime borders and embarking upon exploration stands as a testament to the legacy forged from the aftermath of the July 2006 victory. He underscored the intricate interplay between the triumph of the resistance and the strategic capacities of the nation, underpinning the consequential milestones achieved.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Nasrallah delivers a speech on the 17th anniversary of July victory
In reflecting on this achievement, Sayyed Nasrallah aspired for a unified approach among the parliamentary deputies regarding the sovereign fund. He emphasized the imperative of adopting a perspective rooted in both national and sovereign values. The establishment of such a fund emerges as a pressing requirement for Lebanon to ensure equitable access to the wealth generated from the nation’s oil resources. This, he underscored, would allow all segments of Lebanese society, including future generations, to reap its benefits.
As part of the legislative agenda for the forthcoming session scheduled on Thursday, five critical laws and legislative proposals are set to be discussed, with the sovereign wealth fund being the most important.
The rigidly crafted sovereign wealth fund, designated for the astute management and strategic investment of the nation’s petroleum resources, stands as an examined construct poised to function as a distinct public institution. Engineered to function autonomously, it is strategically designed to remain detached from the conventional managerial guidelines adhered to by public sector entities.
This distinctiveness is inherent in its purpose of overseeing the comprehensive stewardship of Lebanon’s state-owned petroleum resources, thereby endowed with a distinct legal identity and endowed with pronounced financial and administrative autonomy.
It’s important to say here that the arrival of the drilling vessel at Block 9 in Lebanon marks a watershed moment, carrying the potential to catalyze a seismic shift toward economic revitalization and sustainable progress.
In light of this transformative juncture, the collective responsibility falls upon the government and stakeholders to wholeheartedly address the multifaceted challenges tied to environmental considerations and regulatory frameworks.
Their concerted efforts are indispensable in orchestrating a process that not only aligns with the best interests of the Lebanese populace but also culminates in the realization of their well-being and prosperity in the enduring trajectory ahead.’
On 29 January, France-based TotalEnergies and the Italian corporation Eni transferred a 30 percent stake in Lebanon’s economic zone to Qatar’s national energy corporation for gas exploration in blocks four and nine.
This agreement entails that QatarEnergy has a 30 percent stake within these zones, while 70 percent of Lebanon’s economic zone will continue to be distributed among the two European energy corporations. Qatar’s entry into the partnership came after the withdrawal of Russian company “Novatek,” which previously owned a 20 percent share in Beirut’s economic zone.
The agreement was ratified during a ceremony attended by Lebanon’s Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayyad, the Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy, Patrick Pouyanné, and the CEO of TotalEnergies, Claudio Descalzi.
“We are very pleased to welcome QatarEnergy to our exploration acreage in Lebanon. The recent delineation of Lebanon’s maritime border with Israel has created a new momentum for the exploration of its hydrocarbon potential. Along with our partners, we are committed to drilling as soon as possible in 2023 an exploration well in Block 9, and our teams are mobilized to conduct these operations,” Pouyanné said.
Due to the global energy crisis incited by western sanctions against Russia, Qatar has to expand bilateral cooperation with nations on a regional and international scale, facilitating liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries in need.
Saad al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Energy Minister, claimed that the dire need for LNG would persist “for some time to come,” as little new LNG would enter the market until 2025.
Earlier this month, Qatar and US-based Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC signed a multi-billion dollar deal to invest in an energy complex that would boost Doha’s status as a top petrochemical supplier in the world.
The Gulf kingdom also signed deals with China and Germany to export large quantities of LNG from the ambitious North Field East (NFE) expansion project starting in 2026.
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Lebanon witnessed on Sunday the signing ceremony of ‘The Revised Appendices to the Exploration and Production Agreements for Blocks 4 and 9’, an agreement for Qatar Energy Company to join a consortium that will search for gas in the Mediterranean Sea off Lebanon’s coast.
As soon as the good news of the gas agreement circulated this afternoon, the exchange rate of the dollar recorded a decline on the Lebanese black market to below than 57,000 Lebanese Lira, giving hope to perpetually overwhelmed people.
The Lebanese government, together with two leading international oil companies, entered into an agreement with the state-owned Qatar Energy Company, resulting in the latter becoming a partner in the consortium exploring the oil and gas potential of Blocks 4 and 9. This marks a significant milestone in the quest for oil and gas in Lebanon’s maritime domain.
“Today marks a historic event in Lebanon as we sign the amended addendums to the exploration and production agreements in blocks 4 and 9, in the presence of the CEO of Qatar Energy Company, and with the support and attendance of the Prime Minister’s Office of Business Administration Nijib Mikati in the governmental palace,” the Ministry of Energy stated.
The Minister of Energy, Dr. Waleed Fayyad, signed on behalf of Lebanon, while the State Minister of Energy from Qatar, the CEO of Qatar Energy Company, Engineer Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, signed on behalf of Qatar, the CEO of Total Group, Patrick Pouyanné, signed on behalf of the French company, and the CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, signed on behalf of the Italian company, in the presence of ambassadors from Qatar, France, and Italy.
PM Miktai, Walid Fayyad, Al-Kaabi
“This step comes after Qatar Energy Company became a partner in the consortium of petroleum companies with the rights to explore and produce in blocks 4 and 9 in Lebanese waters, as an undeveloped oil owner, joining Total E&P from France and Eni from Italy,” the Lebanese Ministry added.
The ownership share in each of the consortium’s companies will be divided among the four partners, and they will work together to explore and produce oil and gas in these two blocks as follows:
“ Total Energies: 35% Eni: 35% Qatar Energy: 30% „
This new partnership coincides with the operator’s ongoing efforts to carry out exploration and drilling activities in block 9 this year. Lebanon’s share ranges from 54% to 63% after deducting operating and capital expenses if a discovery is made.
“We are thrilled to welcome Qatar Energy to our exploration efforts in Lebanon. The recent determination of the country’s maritime boundary with Israel has generated a new opportunity for the exploration of its hydrocarbon resources. Total Energies and our partners are fully committed to drilling an exploration well in Block 9 as soon as possible in 2023, and our teams are ready to commence these operations,” stated Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of Total Energies.
This partnership further strengthens the collaboration between Total Energies and Qatar Energy in exploration activities, bringing the number of countries where the companies have partnerships to nine.
“Our concentration will be on block number nine,” al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Energy Minister, said, adding that this could be a first step for Qatar Energy to play a bigger role in future explorations.
“It is an honor to be in Lebanon with these two companies,” said Descalzi, the CEO of Italy’s state-run energy company, ENI, said in turn. “We will work all together to give the best to your country.”
During the press conference held after the signing ceremony, Lebanese Energy Minister Fayyad hailed the deal that “marks the beginning of a new chapter that reinforces Lebanon’s standing as a major player in the regional oil industry.”
“This indicates the continuation of confidence in Lebanon despite all the ordeals and crises that it is going through, and the hopes pinned on making commercial discoveries in the exclusive Lebanese economic zone,” Fayyad pointed out.
For his part, PM Mikati affirmed that the initiation of exploration and petroleum activities in Lebanon’s waters holds great potential to generate short- and medium-term benefits. “This marks the initiation of a new stage in the exploration and petroleum operations in Lebanese waters, poised to have a beneficial influence, both in the short and intermediate term, on the creation of opportunities for Lebanese companies involved in the petroleum services sector and providing employment prospects for Lebanese youth, particularly those with technical expertise,” Mikati said.
“This partnership between Qatar Energy and its acquisition of a 30% stake in exploration and production agreements for Blocks 4 and 9 is a significant and unparalleled event in the oil exploration and production sector in Lebanon’s maritime waters, given Qatar Energy’s reputation and expertise in the gas industry globally,” he noted.
The US Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, Amos Hochstein, who mediated the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border negotiations, has lauded the agreement between Lebanon, Qatar Energy, TotalEnergies and ENI. In a tweet, Hochstein exclaimed, “Congratulations to Lebanon on Qatar Energy joining as an investor with ENI and TotalEnergies. This is a welcome addition of new investment in the Lebanese energy sector and further evidence of progress from the maritime agreement.”
The Lebanese people pin hopes on this landmark agreement that would save its economy from deteriorating to an untenable level.
The Lebanese economy is in a state of profound distress, with the Lebanese pound experiencing a severe devaluation of nearly 90% since the onset of the economic crisis in May 2019. The latest reports indicate the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound reached a record low of over 60,000 to the dollar on Friday.
In addition to this, food prices have skyrocketed nearly tenfold, leading to high levels of unemployment and putting three-quarters of the population into poverty.
The absence of a president has been a persistent issue in the country since the expiration of Michel Aoun’s presidential term on October 31st. Despite the Parliament convening on 11 occasions, efforts to elect a new president have been unsuccessful.
In the same context, MP Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, stated in a press conference that the country is facing the consequences of a breakdown, including a surging dollar, increasing poverty, sky-high gasoline prices, disarray in the pharmaceutical market, a threatened education sector, lack of administration, and employees and transactions being ignored. Additionally, he mentioned that judges are airing their grievances and acting based on political agendas.
MP Bassil urged for a unified approach and prompt discussions among all parties, either in a bilateral or collective manner, to come to an agreement on a streamlined and swift action plan. He also called for reaching consensus on a list of potential candidates for the presidential election, or if not possible, to vote based on an agreed upon list.
“We are ready to conclude a new understanding with Hezbollah and with any political component on building the state in partnership, provided it is implemented,” Bassil said.
Bou Saab in the DC
All the way to the United States, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Elias Bou Saab, has departed for Washington on an official visit. During the trip, he will engage in talks with US administration officials, members of the Senate and Congress, as well as high-level representatives of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Bou Saab will also participate in joint meetings alongside Representatives Neamat Freim, Yassin Yassin, and Mark Daou.
It is foreseen that on the first day of his visit, Bou Saab will commence with a meeting and dinner facilitated by Wael Hashem, Chargé d’Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy. The US Special Presidential Coordinator, Amos Hochstein, will also be in attendance, giving a joint speech with Bou Saab regarding the aftermath of the maritime border demarcation and its effect on Lebanon. The dinner will be attended by prominent Lebanese parliamentarians, members of the Senate and Congress, and high-level American officials.
يشهد الملف الرئاسي في لبنان تطوراً لافتاً يتمثّل في زيارة يُفترض أن يقوم بها رئيس التيار الوطني الحر النائب جبران باسيل إلى باريس، هذا الشهر، لعقد سلسلة لقاءات على مستوى رفيع تشمل كل المعنيين بالملف اللبناني، للبحث في الاستحقاقات الداهمة رئاسياً وحكومياً واقتصادياً. وقالت مصادر مطلعة إن الفرنسيين يأملون بالاتفاق مع باسيل على خريطة طريق للانتخابات الرئاسية، انطلاقاً من العلاقة الجيدة التي تربطه بكل من البطريرك الماروني بشارة الراعي وحزب الله.
وكانت السفيرة الفرنسية في بيروت آن غريو غادرت إلى باريس، أول من أمس، في مهمة عاجلة، يتعلق جانب منها بالتحضير لزيارة باسيل الذي يفترض أن يلتقي أعضاء خلية الإليزيه المعنية بالملف اللبناني، والتي تضم السفير إيمانويل بون ورئيس الاستخبارات الخارجية برنار إيمييه، إضافة إلى مسؤولين في وزارة الخارجية. وبحسب المصادر، فقد يلتقي باسيل، بحسب مسار المحادثات، الرئيس الفرنسي إيمانويل ماكرون، وأن أمير قطر تميم بن حمد آل ثاني يتوسّط لعقد هذا اللقاء.
وبحسب المعلومات، فإن الزيارة العاجلة لغريو إلى باريس تهدف إلى وضع القيادة الفرنسية في أجواء الاتصالات الأخيرة التي أجرتها في بيروت حول الملف الرئاسي والاستحقاقات الحكومية والاقتصادية. ويفترض أن تطلع غريو على نتائج الاتصال الذي جرى بين ماكرون وولي العهد السعودي محمد بن سلمان قبل يومين في ما يتعلق بلبنان، على أن تعود إلى بيروت الأسبوع المقبل لمرافقة باسيل متى تم تحديد موعد زيارته. وأجرت غريو في الأيام العشرة الماضية سلسلة اجتماعات بقي معظمها بعيداً من الأضواء، وشملت البطريرك الماروني بشارة الراعي ورئيس الحزب التقدمي الاشتراكي وليد جنبلاط وشخصيات من قوى المعارضة التي ترشح النائب ميشال معوض. كما عقدت غريو اجتماعين مهمين أحدهما مع مسؤول كبير في حزب الله والثاني مع باسيل.
اجتماعات السفيرة الفرنسية في بيروت شملت لقاء مع مسؤول كبير في حزب الله
ومع أن الجانب الفرنسي لا يحمل مبادرة متكاملة، إلا أنه سعى إلى معرفة موقف كل الأطراف من لائحة من المرشحين تضم نحو سبعة أسماء. وفهم متصلون بالسفيرة الفرنسية أن بلادها لا تزال تحظى بالتفويض الأميركي لإدارة المبادرة بما خص الملف الرئاسي، وأن باريس تريد التوصل مع السعودية إلى اتفاق يسهل المهمة، لأن الإصرار على خوض معارك قاسية من شأنه عدم انتخاب رئيس في وقت قريب. وكررت غريو أمام كل من التقتهم أن بلادها مهتمة بتوافق جدي يتيح انتخاب رئيس قادر على تشكيل حكومة سريعاً، وعلى الخطوات الإصلاحية التي تنتظرها الدول التي ستقدم مساعدات للبنان لمعالجة الأزمة الاقتصادية. كما كررت التزام بلادها الشق المتعلق بفرنسا وشركة «توتال» ضمن تفاهم ترسيم الحدود البحرية مع كيان الاحتلال. علماً أن إدارة شركة «توتال» أعلنت، أمس، أنها أنجزت مع حكومة العدو الاتفاق الخاص بطلبات إسرائيلية مالية تتعلق بالجزء الجنوبي من حقل قانا الواقع جنوب الخط 23 والذي يفترض أن توفره الشركة الفرنسية من دون المساس بحصّة لبنان.
Informed sources have confirmed to Lebanon-based news agency Al-Markaziya that French oil company TotalEnergies is expected to start extraction from Lebanon’s gas fields in the spring of 2023.
The company has reportedly begun preparations for the necessary paperwork to contract a specialized extraction ship before transporting it to Block 9, facing south Lebanon.
The ship will be similar to the one operating in Israel’s Karish gas field, and will be responsible for pumping gas from the undersea wells toward land-based reservoirs using underwater pipelines.
Oil expert Rabih Yaghi told Al-Markaziya that infrastructure should be prepared in Lebanon prior to the arrival of the ship, stressing that these platforms are rented by the hour or day, making any possible delays very costly.
However, Yaghi estimates that the first drilling ship should arrive by the end of this winter and start operating in the Qana gas field. The vessel has to be operational for at least three months before the arrival of the extraction platform.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, who led the maritime negotiations with the US and Israel for 10 years, was confident that Lebanon will start extraction in 2023.
Berri was quoted by local media reiterating his famous statement from 2016 about the wealth at sea, saying that “the discovery will not only lead to Lebanon’s entry to the club of [gas]-producing countries, but even place it in the front row seats.”
In 2017, TotalEnergies signed two Exploration and Production Agreements (EPAs) with the Lebanese government, assigning them to Blocks 4 and 9.
The Tungsten Explorer drillship commenced operations in Block 4 as soon as it arrived in Lebanon on 25 February 2020. However, the lack of concrete proof of gas reserves halted the exploration efforts.
No operations took place in Block 9, as the French company was weary of the repercussions as long as the area was disputed with Israel.
However, after signing the maritime agreement with Israel on 27 October, the company’s representatives reengaged with Lebanese officials, to fulfill the obligations of the 2017 EPAs.
According to Lebanon’s Energy Minister, Walid Fayyad, Qatar also showed an interest in joining the consortium, led by major petroleum firms ENI and TotalEnergies.
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Lebanon and Israel have reached a deal concerning their maritime border dispute in the gas-rich Mediterranean Sea.
Israel’s current leader, Yarir Lapid, wants to get the Knesset’s approval before Israel’s elections on November 1, but there’s no guarantee that it will happen before then. The long-term life of this deal depends on the outcome of the Israeli election.
Lebanon’s deputy speaker Elias Bou Saab said yesterday that an agreement had been reached that satisfies both sides, and
The US-brokered final draft has gone to President Michel Aoun. US mediator Amos Hochstein worked to close the gap between Israel and Lebanon on the issues surrounding the gas deal. The text of the deal was leaked to the press, and appears to give the Karish field to Israeli control, while the Qana field would remain with Lebanon. Aoun stressed previously that this deal does not create a partnership with Israel, as the two countries remain in a state of war.
Lebanon’s Energy Minister Walid Fayad has previously said they will take over Russian gas company Novatek’s 20 percent share in a consortium licensed to explore two offshore blocs after the Russian gas giant pulled out in August. The consortium is led by France’s TotalEnergies and includes Italy’s Eni. Yesterday, a delegation from Total was in Beirut meeting the caretaker Prime Minister Mikati, who told them to start immediately exploring and drilling the area once the maritime border deal comes into force.
The deal could solve the financial, social, and political problems that Lebanon has been facing which almost brought the small nation on the Mediterranean Sea to ‘failed-state’ status.
The two nations sense the urgency to come to an agreement amid Hezbollah’s threat to defend Lebanon’s offshore energy resources by force if necessary. The Lebanese army is incapable of militarily defending Lebanon, and Hezbollah is the only resistance force capable of deterring the encroachment of borders or territorial waters. Hezbollah officials have said they would endorse a deal reached between Lebanon’s government and Israel. Offshore oil and gas production for Lebanon could spell the end of the worst economic crisis in the world in modern history, according to the World Bank.
Previously, Lapid said Israel would begin production in the Karish gas field in the Mediterranean “as soon as possible.” That decision threatened to raise tensions with Hezbollah, as the Karish gas field was contested. Israel set up a gas rig at Karish in June, saying the field was part of its UN-recognized exclusive economic zone; however, Lebanon insisted Karish was in disputed waters. Tensions between Lebanon and Israel increased since the arrival of a floating production and storage vessel to the Karish field in June, and in July the Israeli military shot down three unarmed Hezbollah drones flying over the Karish field.
Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Abbas Zalzali, news anchor, media instructor, talk show host and writer. Mr. Zalzali explained how the deal might be effected by the Israeli election outcome, and also commented on the upcoming Presidential election in Lebanon.
Steven Sahiounie (SS):Previously, we heard that Israel and Lebanon were very close to signing a deal over the gas in the Mediterranean Sea, but that the negotiations had collapsed. As of now, the deal appears to have been made. In your opinion, who caused the previous negotiations to collapse?
Abbas Zalzali (AZ): The previous Israeli statements regarding the border demarcation agreement with Lebanon, which has now been made, fall into the category of Israeli election rhetoric. That is why we saw Benjamin Netanyahu trying to use the border demarcation file against Yair Lapid as a pressure card by making clear that it is a concession to Lebanon and Hezbollah, but all indications indicate that the agreement has been accomplished, especially after US President Joe Biden called Lebanese President Michel Aoun and congratulated him on completing the agreement, as did the US Ambassador to Beirut Dorothy Shea and more than one Arab and international official.
SS:The Israeli officials are threatening to attack Lebanon and asked their settlers in northern occupied Palestine to get prepared for escalation with Lebanon. Netanyahu is against this new agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and in the coming election he might win. Do you think that the situation will go to a full scale war if he comes back to power?
AZ: If Netanyahu wins, things will get complicated. I do not think that Israel is ready to launch a war against Lebanon, not because of the demarcation of the maritime borders, or for any other reason, because the regional and international conditions are not ready, and because Europe needs Mediterranean gas as a result of the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the conflict over energy sources. Let us not forget that in the war with Lebanon in July 2006 Israel gained nothing. Hezbollah has gained a great deal of fighting power through its participation in the wars in more than one country, in addition to doubling its missile force.
SS: The Lebanese Parliament should vote for a new president for Lebanon. In your opinion, are the Lebanese political parties ready to choose a president, or we will see Lebanon without a government and a president?
AZ: The elections of a new President in Lebanon has always been an internal connection with external and internal reasons, but there are some countries meddling in Baabda Palace, and some neighboring countries that changed the political map in the country.
So we may face a stage of a presidential vacancy under a resigned government. But if the positives continue in the file of demarcating the maritime borders with Israel, and the agreement is signed, this may reflect regional and international consensus, which will be reflected inside Lebanon as an agreement to elect a new president.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist
While the demarcation agreement is yet to be signed, scepticism on both sides signals conflict ahead
There is a sense of optimism in Lebanon over the possibility of signing a maritime agreement with Israel that would enable the extraction of gas from Lebanese territorial waters, which could help lead the country out of its dire financial crisis.
After the 3 October meeting that brought together Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Republican Palace, it was clear that everyone agreed with the “moderate” proposals presented by US envoy Amos Hochstein, head of the indirect negotiations between Lebanon and Israel over their common maritime border.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Abu Saab announced after the meeting that Lebanon’s “comments” on the proposals would be sent to Hochstein, and that the Lebanese government would not provide an official answer to the proposal – pending a response from the US envoy before the end of the week.
Israel for its part has reportedly given preliminary approval for the proposal which consists of a 10-page draft.
Abu Saab confirmed that Lebanon had obtained its full rights in the maritime “Qana gas field,” but he cautioned that the devils lie in the detail.
Mikati, who seems the most enthusiastic to sign the US-brokered agreement, said after leaving the presidential palace that “things are going in the right direction.” His smile was wider than ever – as though gas revenues in the billions of dollars were about to flow into the coffers of the Central Bank of Lebanon.
Gas deal ‘leaks’
So far, few details of the agreement have been revealed. Currently in circulation are ‘deliberate’ indirect leaks from the two negotiating parties to ‘beautify’ the agreement for their respective constituents. It reflects the desire of deal proponents to clinch an agreement as soon as possible, ostensibly to avoid a war on the Lebanese-Israeli border that could escalate into a regional war, and maybe more.
While the Lebanese side appears uncharacteristically united and more willing to sign, sharp divisions persist in the Israeli camp, especially between interim Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his ally Minister of Defense Benny Gantz, on the one hand, and the opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other.
Lapid claims, through his camp’s leaks, that Israel will retain full sovereignty over the contested Karish gas field and will receive financial compensation by relinquishing part of Lebanon’s Qana gas field – paid for by French corporation TotalEnergies, which is currently in talks of its own with Israel over potential profit sharing from exploration.
Lapid also promotes the notion that Israel made a “tactical concession in exchange for a strategic gain in stability on the northern borders.”
Netanyahu has stepped up his attacks on the prime minister and has criticized the draft agreement for making huge concessions on the ‘Land of Israel’ and for handing over its natural resources to Lebanon and Hezbollah.
This, he contends, is taking place without holding a public referendum or securing the approval of the Knesset (Parliament). He has also vowed to abolish the agreement if he comes to power following legislative elections scheduled for 1 November.
Meanwhile, everyone is awaiting the results of the mini-Israeli security cabinet meeting next Thursday, which is supposed to discuss and ratify the agreement.
The internal battle may then move to Israel’s Supreme Court to decide on the opposition’s demands to hold a referendum on the agreement, or to submit it to the Knesset for approval – or both. There are initial indications that the Supreme Court may support the opposition’s opinion.
Uri Adiri, the chief Israeli negotiator for demarcating the maritime border with Lebanon, announced his resignation in protest of Lapid’s management of the negotiations. It seems clear that the resignation came under opposition pressure, and it is not unlikely that similar resignations will take place in the coming days.
Negotiations leading to ‘normalization’
There are also criticisms on the Lebanese side in some circles, chiefly over the notion that such negotiations are a precursor to normalization with the occupation state. Abu Saab, however, has insisted that no agreement or treaty will be signed with the Israeli enemy, and that there will be no document that includes a Lebanese signature alongside an Israeli signature.
But there are several caveats worth noting:
Firstly: The final version of the US-brokered proposals has not yet been agreed upon, and therefore the possibilities of returning to square one, that is, before the ‘theoretical current agreement,’ are still present.
Secondly: The only guarantors of this agreement are the United States and France. Experiences with US guarantees are not encouraging. As we have seen with Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – likewise, the US guarantee of the Oslo Accord, signed at the White House on 13 September, 1993 – an American guarantee no longer invokes much confidence.
Thirdly: Netanyahu cannot cancel the agreement as long as it is legally approved, but he can undermine it if he wins the next legislative elections. As with the Oslo Accords – which he strongly opposed – while he could not exit the agreement, he prevented its implementation and reduced it to empty words by settling 800,000 settlers in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
Delaying the inevitable
Finally: We cannot rule out that these Israeli disputes between the government and the opposition are just political theater intended to stall, deceive the Lebanese, and plan ahead for the inevitable response by the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah.
It should be noted that the US is Israel’s strongest global ally, that Lapid is one of Israel’s most ardent supporters of the US war against Russia in Ukraine, and that the American “mediator” Amos Hochstein is Israeli-born and served in the Israeli army.
The only reliable guarantee for Lebanon, for its oil and gas resources, for its security and stability, is the Islamic resistance represented by Hezbollah and its huge arsenal of precision missiles, advanced drones, and one hundred thousand-strong army of resistance fighters.
This is the first time in the history of Israel, since its establishment, that its government has offered concessions under the threat of arms and in fear of a war that threatens its existence. This is entirely due to Hezbollah’s refusal to allow Israel to extract gas before Lebanon has secured its own rights.
The next few days could be the most dangerous for Lebanon and the region. The utmost caution must be exercised, and every word or comma in any binding agreement must be carefully scrutinized before signing.
Remember that Netanyahu is a paper tiger, and he was subjected to humiliating defeats at the hands of the resistance in the Gaza Strip, especially in the battle of Sayf al-Quds.
The resistance is the biggest winner of this agreement so far in both in its implementation – because it is the one who imposed it with missiles and drones – and in the event of its collapse – because it is ready for all possibilities, foremost of which is war.
While the Lebanese people are peaceful, and have sought hard to secure a fair and equitable agreement over their maritime borders, they may yet be forced to militarily secure their national rights to Lebanon’s natural resources.
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‘Israel’ and Lebanon are apparently close to a final agreement delineating their maritime border after a Lebanese government delegation met with the Biden administration’s energy envoy, Amos Hochstein, this week in New York. If the deal goes through, the Biden administration will have turned Hezbollah into a significant player in the Eastern Mediterranean energy industry, a development that will both enrich the group and expand its regional influence.
While the Lebanese delegation consisted of government officials, the real, if indirect, interlocutor for the Biden administration was always Hezbollah. The group’s chief, [Sayyed] Hassan Nasrallah, set the parameters and the tempo of the negotiations and has found an eager and cooperative partner in the Biden team. In fact, Hochstein leveraged Hezbollah’s threats to obtain major ‘Israeli’ concessions.
With talks apparently headed toward the finish line, Nasrallah reiterated last week the ultimatum that has framed the talks. As before, Nasrallah threatened to ‘attack’ ‘Israel’s’ Karish offshore gas rig, unless the US and ‘Israel’ agreed to his conditions before starting to pump gas from Karish. The Hezbollah leader said, “our red line is the start of extraction at Karish. … We cannot allow for oil and gas extraction from Karish before Lebanon obtains its rights.” Nasrallah added, “our eyes and our missiles are [fixed] on Karish.”
Nasrallah’s threats are cost-free, especially as he knows the Biden administration has leveraged them to impose a sense of urgency on ‘Israel’s’ caretaker government to concede Lebanon’s demands and conclude the agreement without any escalation.
Based on official Lebanese statements and reports in pro-Hezbollah media, the talks are in their final stage and Hochstein is supposed to submit a formal draft agreement shortly. While the details of a final agreement have not been made public, the satisfied assessments from the Lebanese side indicate that Washington has managed to extract critical concessions from ‘Israel’ that meet Hezbollah’s demands. First, ‘Israel’ will cede the entire disputed area of 854 square kilometers of Mediterranean waters. It will also cede the whole of a prospective gas field that protrudes into ‘Israeli’ waters beyond Line 23, which Lebanon has filed as its border.
‘Israel’ has reportedly requested a buffer area extending a few kilometers out to sea from its land border with Lebanon. UN peacekeepers would presumably monitor the area, although ‘Israel’ would still cede sovereignty to Lebanon. The details of this buffer area and its coordinates were reportedly the final item to be determined. Once the agreement is finalized, French energy giant TotalEnergies would begin operations in Lebanon’s Block 9.
Despite concerns of a conflagration before the end of September, given Hezbollah’s threats against Karish, Nasrallah’s speech affirmed the likelihood of that scenario was small. He was clear that an ‘Israeli’ test of the gas transport system from the Karish platform to the shore and back would not cross Hezbollah’s red line.
The key Hezbollah condition was for production at Karish to be frozen until the consortium led by TotalEnergies had agreed it would begin drilling for gas in Block 9 of Lebanon’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which ‘Israel’ now will have conceded in full. The Biden administration sought to satisfy that condition, meeting with French officials and TotalEnergies executives to discuss the start of operations.
If a border agreement is finalized, the Biden administration will have set a terrible precedent by leveraging Hezbollah threats to secure ‘Israeli’ concessions that enrich and empower the group. The administration will also have turned Hezbollah into a significant player in Eastern Mediterranean energy, enshrining the group’s partnership with France and its investments in Lebanon. The precedent might even extend beyond Lebanon as now Hezbollah is encouraging Hamas to follow its lead with gas fields off the coast of Gaza.
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بين الحديث عن صعوبات حقيقية أو عن تسويف من الجانبين الأميركي والإسرائيلي، انتهت زيارة الوسيط الأميركي عاموس هوكشتين السريعة إلى بيروت بنتيجة واحدة: ثمة نقطة نزاع تحتاج إلى علاج حتى تسير الأمور نحو اتفاق سريع. ومع التدقيق تبين أن الأمر يتعلق بتثبيت «الخط الأزرق البحري» المعبر عنه بشريط العوامات القائم في البحر قبالة ساحلي لبنان وفلسطين المحتلة. وهو الخط الذي قال هوكشتين إن إسرائيل لا يمكنها «التهاون فيه لأسباب أمنية»، واعداً بأن يرسل للبنان الإحداثيات خلال أيام قليلة.
ومع أن المصادر الرسمية والمشاركة في الاجتماعات أشارت إلى «إيجابية وتقدم»، وأشارت إلى أن الوسيط الأميركي أظهر وجود استجابة لمطالب لبنان وأن حكومته تريد إنجاز الأمر خلال ثلاثة أسابيع، لكن الحذر أطل برأسه بعدما تبين أن الولايات المتحدة تعرب عن شكوك في إمكانية التوصل إلى اتفاق في حال لم يستجب لبنان للمطالب الإسرائيلية الخاصة بالخط الأزرق البحري، خصوصاً أن غالبية سياسية ابدت تخوفها من مناورة إسرائيلية تستهدف التطرق إلى نقطة على الحدود البرية من شأنها التفريط بمزيد من الحقوق اللبنانية. علماً أن مسؤولين شاركوا في الاجتماعات قالوا بأن الأمر جرى التطرق إليه من قبل رئيس الحكومة نجيب ميقاتي الذي فاجأ الوسيط الأميركي بالحديث عن نقاط الخلاف الخاصة بالحدود البرية وعن إمكانية العمل على تسويتها في الوقت نفسه. لكن هوكشتين أبلغه بأن الأمر معقد قليلاً، وأن الفريق الذي يتفاوض معه في إسرائيل معني بالحدود البحرية وأن إثارة الملف البري سوف يعقد الأمر ويحتاج إلى وقت أطول ما يؤثر سلباً في المفاوضات الحالية. واتفق على إقفال النقاش في هذا البند. لكن المشاركين في الاجتماعات شددوا على أن ما طلبه هوكشتين لا يلزم لبنان بأي تنازل في النقطة B1 على الإطلاق، ولبنان يرفض هذا الأمر أصلاً. وعلق مصدر سياسي معني بالملف على ما يجري تداوله بشأن الخط الأزرق البحري بالقول: «نحن نعلم أن لبنان جدد مطلبه بالحصول على جواب خطي، لأن الوسيط لم يحمل جواباً خطياً، وما قاله لا يؤكد قبول إسرائيل بالخط 23. لكنه قال إنه يستطيع أن يضمن موافقتهم بنسبة 90 في المئة، والجديد هو المطالبة بالانطلاقة من نقطة في البر تمتد شمالاً مساحة 500 متر في البحر ثم تعود في اتجاه الخط 23. وهذه المسافة تريدها إسرائيل منطقة أمنية لحين البدء بالترسيم البري، ولدى القوى اللبنانية المعنية خشية حقيقية من أن يؤثر الأمر في الترسيم البري».
الرواية الرسمية وقال مصدر مواكب للاجتماعات التي عقدها الوسيط الأميركي في بيروت أمس أن الزيارة، على قصر وقتها، كانت مناسبة لقول الكلام المباشر من الجانبين، وأن الوسيط الأميركي كان محدداً في عرضه. وقد أبلغ الرؤساء الثلاثة الآتي: أولاً: إن واشنطن تؤكد أن الحكومة الإسرائيلية الحالية تريد اتفاق الترسيم وهي صاحبة مصلحة في توقيعه قبل موعد الانتخابات الإسرائيلية المقبلة. ثانيا: إن الولايات المتحدة وأوروبا تعتقدان أن على لبنان وإسرائيل الاستفادة من الواقع السياسي القائم الآن في إسرائيل، لأن أحداً لا يضمن أن تأتي حكومة جديدة لا يكون لديها جدول أعمال آخر يؤخر الاتفاق. ثالثا: إن إسرائيل تعتبر أن حقل قانا هو من حصة لبنان كاملاً كما حقل كاريش من حصتها كاملاً ولا جدال حول البلوكات كافة. رابعاً: إن الولايات المتحدة اتفقت مع فرنسا على آلية لتعاون بين شركة توتال وبين الجانب الإسرائيلي لتقديم أي تعويض تطالب به إسرائيل، وإن واشنطن وباريس تلتزمان موقف لبنان الرافض لأي نوع من الشراكة في حقل قانا مهما كان حجمه، حتى ولو تبين أن خزانه يمتد إلى أماكن أخرى، وأن مسألة التعويضات بين توتال والإسرائيليين لا تخص لبنان ولا يمكن احتساب أي مبلغ من أرباح لبنان المفترضة من الحقل المذكور. كما أكد أنه حصل على تعهد رسمي من إدارة توتال ومن السلطات الفرنسية بأن العمل سيبدأ مباشرة بعد الإعلان عن توقيع الاتفاق. خامساً: إن إسرائيل تسعى إلى بدء عملية الاستخراج من حقل كاريش خلال أسابيع قليلة، وأن أي تأجيل بعده تقني وليس سياسياً، وأن إدارة الشركة اليونانية تلتزم المباشرة بالاستخراج والبيع في تشرين الأول المقبل. ولذلك يفترض أن يتم الاتفاق قبل ذلك. سادساً: إن العقبة الأخيرة أمام الاتفاق، هي تثبيت الخط الأزرق البحري بين البلدين، وأن يصار إلى تثبيت النقاط التي تزرع عليه العوامات الفاصلة بين الحدود البحرية الآن، وقد وعد هوكشتين بأن يرسل إلى لبنان منتصف الأسبوع المقبل الإحداثيات الخاصة بهذا الخط وينتظر الجواب اللبناني. سابعاً: إن البحث في الخط الأزرق البحري لا يمكن اعتباره بحثاً في الحدود البرية، وإن واشنطن وتل أبيب والآخرين ليسوا في حالة جاهزية لترسيم الحدود البرية الآن، وأن الأمر يتعلق بالمسافة الفاصلة بين شريط العوامات وبين النقطة البرية.
الموقف اللبناني وبحسب المصدر فإن هوكشتين سمع مواقف متطابقة من الرؤساء الثلاثة ومن نائب رئيس المجلس الياس بو صعب والمدير العام للأمن العام اللواء عباس إبراهيم، وتركز الموقف اللبناني على الآتي: – إن لبنان غير معني على الإطلاق بأي نقاش حول الخط 23 أو مصير البلوكات والعمل في حقل قانا، وإنه غير معني بأي نقاش أو تسويات تحصل بين إسرائيل وبين فرنسا أو شركة توتال بشأن تعويضات مالية أو خلافه، وإن لبنان سيحتفظ بكل أرباحه من دون أي تنازل وتحت أي ظرف. – إن لبنان ليس مستعداً للبحث في نقطة الحدود البرية المعروفة ب B1، وإن لبنان يريد إحداثيات واضحة لما خص الخط الأزرق البحري، وسيكون له جوابه على الطرح بمجرد وصوله خطياً من الوسيط الأميركي. وإن لبنان لا يرى أن هناك مجالاً لتضييع المزيد من الوقت بعدما صارت الأمور واضحة تماماً. – إن لبنان مستعد في حال تثبيت نقاط الاتفاق للانتقال إلى الناقورة لإطلاق آلية العمل الأخيرة التي تسبق التوقيع على الاتفاق.
هوكشتين: لابيد لديه مصلحة في إنجاز الاتفاق قبل الانتخابات الإسرائيلية
وبحسب المصدر، فإن هوكشتين قال إنه في حال وافق لبنان على معالجة ملف الخط الأزرق البحري، ستكون هناك إمكانية لاتفاق قبل نهاية هذا الشهر، وإنه في حال كان جواب لبنان سلبياً ستتوقف المفاوضات. وكرر خشيته من أن أي تبدل سياسي في إسرائيل من شأنه تعريض المفاوضات للخطر. لكنه أشار إلى أن بلاده تدعم الوصول إلى اتفاق قبل شروع الشركة اليونانية في الاستخراج من حقل كاريش، وهو أشار إلى أن الشركة تعتبر أنها ستكون قادرة على البدء بالعمل مطلع الشهر المقبل. ولفت المصدر إلى أن هوكشتين سمع كلاماً واضحاً حول مسائل تتعلق بالمفاوضات، ومفاده أن لبنان يريد العودة سريعاً إلى الناقورة، فرد بأنه في حال لم يكن هناك تفاهم مسبق على جميع النقاط فإن إسرائيل ليست بصدد العودة إلى الناقورة الآن، وأن حكومة لابيد سوف ترى في ذلك ما يضعف موقفها في الانتخابات الداخلية. وفي ما خص الاستقرار الأمني، قال هوكشتين إن الجميع يريد تثبيت الاستقرار. فسمع كلاماً رئاسياً بأن الاستقرار يحصل عند حصول الاتفاق وعند حصول لبنان على كامل حقوقه، وأن الوقت ليس في مصلحة أحد، وأن الرئيس عون يمكنه لعب دور كبير في حفظ الاستقرار في حال جرى التوقيع على الاتفاق قبل مغادرته القصر الجمهوري، وفي حال تم تأخير الاتفاق فإن أحداً لا يضمن عدم حصول تطورات سلبية من شأنها تهديد الاستقرار الأمني لكل عملية استخراج الغاز من شرق المتوسط برمته.
غموض في إسرائيل: تفاهم لا اتفاق | «إنرجيان» ترفض ضغوط واشنطن وتل أبيب
تعاطت وسائل الإعلام الاسرائيلية بكثير من الحذر حيال فكرة الاتفاق. وقال تقرير لـ«موقع يديعوت أحرونوت» إن «مصدراً سياسياً أشار إلى أنه حتى الساعة لا يتوقّع توقيعاً على الاتفاق مع لبنان، لأن حزب الله لا يسمح للحكومة بالتوقيع على اتفاق ثنائي مع إسرائيل، وعلى ما يبدو ستنتهي القضية بتفاهمات واتفاقات، وعلى الأكثر سيتم إيداع ورقة في الأمم المتحدة يفصل فيها خط الحدود المتفق عليه». أمّا ألون بن دافيد، فكتب في «معاريف» أن إسرائيل «تدخل ولبنان في هذه الأيام المرحلة الأخيرة من المفاوضات حول ترسيم الحدود البحرية. إذا لم تنبثق معوقات اللحظة الأخيرة، السنة الجديدة قد تجلب معها بشرى اتفاق، أهميته الاستراتيجية لإسرائيل لا تقل عن أهمية اتفاقات أبراهام بل وحتى تفوقها. وفي نهاية هذا الأسبوع سيعرفون في إسرائيل مقترح الوساطة الأخير الذي جلبه معه المبعوث الأميركي عاموس هوكشتين. الفجوات بين الطرفين بقيت مقلصة، وفي الظاهر يبدو أنه يمكن التوصل إلى اتفاق في غضون أسابيع». وقال التقرير إن «إسرائيل أظهرت مرونة في المفاوضات ووضعت مقترحاً هو Win-Win (رابح-رابح). بحسب المقترح الإسرائيلي، خط الحدود سيُعدّل بحيث أن كل حقل الغاز «كاريش» وكذلك هوامشه الأمنية ستبقى في الجانب الإسرائيلي، وكل حقل «قانا» سيكون في الجانب اللبناني. الفكرة هي إنتاج ميزانٍ مستقر: مقابل المنصة الإسرائيلية ستكون هناك المنصة اللبنانية، وكل طرف سيعلم أن استهداف منصة الطرف الثاني سيؤدي أيضاً إلى خسارته لمورده من الغاز». وتحدّث عن «قلق الاستفزاز مع حزب الله». وقال إنه سيتم غداً (الأحد) تغيير قائد المنطقة الشمالية حيث يتنحى اللواء أمير برعام ويتولاها اللواء أوري غوردين المستنفر إلى أقصى حد «لاستباق استفزازٍ من حزب الله». وقال التقرير إن برعام «يقدّر، بخلاف كثيرين في الجيش الإسرائيلي، أن حزب الله سيحذَر من عملية مغامرة يمكن أن تقوده إلى مواجهة واسعة وخسارة فرصة لبنان للاستفادة من موارد الغاز. إذا عمل حزب الله، يقدّر برعام، هذا سيكون بطريقة مدروسة ومحسوبة، التي ميّزته في السنوات الأخيرة، عدم المخاطرة بتدهور إلى مواجهة. شيء ما على شاكلة الطائرات المسيّرة التي أرسلها في تموز». الضغوط على «إنرجيان» من ناحية ثانية، أورد موقع «غلوبس» تقريراً يشرح حقيقة الارتباك الذي رافق الحديث عن تأجيل الاستخراج من حقل «كاريش». وقال أنه «في الأسابيع الأخيرة رفضت شركة إنرجيان ضغوط إسرائيل والولايات المتحدة، وهي مصرة على بدء الإنتاج في 20 أيلول الحالي»، وأن الرئيس التنفيذي للشركة ماثيوس ريجاس أبلغ المستثمرين في الشركة بأنه لا تراجع عن بدء العمل في 20 أيلول، وأن الشركة على علم بالمفاوضات الجارية بين إسرائيل ولبنان بوساطة الولايات المتحدة الأميركية ولدينا ثقة كاملة بإسرائيل وبحكومتها وقدرتها على حماية مصالحها». وقال التقرير إنه في الأسابيع القليلة الماضية «كانت هناك ضغوط متزايدة من قبل إسرائيل والأميركيين على الشركة ورئيسها لتأجيل إنتاج الغاز حتى انتهاء المفاوضات حول الحدود البحرية. تخشى بعض المصادر في إسرائيل أن ينفذ حزب الله تهديده بمهاجمة منصة كاريش ومنصتي تمار ولفيتان، مما سيؤدي إلى إفشال المفاوضات والتصعيد، كما تسعى إيران التي تقف وراءه». واللافت، بحسب التقرير، أن للشركة «إنرجيان، وريجاس نفسه، اعتبارات مالية وجدولاً زمنياً موعوداً للعملاء والمستثمرين في بيانات رسمية. وأن رئيس الشركة ليس من هؤلاء الذين يخافون الضغط، لا من حزب الله ولا من المسؤولين في إسرائيل والولايات المتحدة». ولفت الموقع إلى أن النقاش في إسرائيل معقّد حول مسألة الاستخراج، ونقل عن مصادر سياسية أنه «في نقاشات أجريت في لقاءات مختلفة من بينها مجلس الأمن القومي، جرى اعتبار تأجيل الإنتاج بمثابة خضوع لحزب الله». وقال التقرير إن «الضغط على إنرجيان جاء هذه المرة من الجانب الأميركي، حيث طلب الوسيط مساحة زمنية أوسع للمفاوضات، وسط مخاوف من أن يؤدي بدء الإنتاج إلى رد من حزب الله قد يؤدي إلى نسفها».
An official with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) revealed that Phase 11 of the South Pars Gas Field is expected to generate 14 million cubic meters of gas per day by the end of current Persian calendar year (March 20, 2023).
According to IRNA, Karim Zobeidi, NIOC’s director of corporate planning, said one of the Oil Ministry’s top priorities is ensuring adequate gas supply throughout the cold season.
“Increasing production from the joint oil fields in the West Karun region is a priority for the administration,” Zobeidi said, adding that by the end of the current Iranian calendar year, production from the first phase of the South Azadegan oil field should also reach 220,000 barrels per day.
“This year, the final three refinery trains in Phase 14 of South Pars will be commissioned,” he stated.
According to the official, South Pars phases 22 to 24 would also be fully operational.
Iran had previously awarded the development of the phase 11 project to a consortium comprising France’s Total, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), and Petropars which is a subsidiary of the NIOC, however Total and CNPCI pulled out of the project in 2019 due to the US sanctions.
Currently, Petropars is developing the phase 11 project after its partners left the contract.
The drilling operation for the first well of mentioned phase was officially started in December 2020. In the early production stage, the output of this phase will reach 500 million cubic feet (equivalent to 14 million cubic meters) per day.
Back in January, the managing director of Petropars Company had announced the implementation of two new contracts as of December 22, 2021, to accelerate the development of the mentioned phase.
According to Hamid-Reza Masoudi, the mentioned deals were concerned with the construction of an off-shore pipeline as well as the installation of the phase’s SDP11B platform.
South Pars is the world’s largest gas field, covering an area of 3,700 square kilometers of Iran’s territorial waters.
The giant field is estimated to contain a significant amount of natural gas, accounting for about eight percent of the world’s reserves, and approximately 18 billion barrels of condensate. The field is divided into 24 standard phases.
UPROOTED PALESTINIANS: SALAM ALQUDS ALAYKUM 