Lebanese defense chief demands intl. action against Israeli aggression in disputed waters

Lebanese caretaker Defense Minister Brigadier General Maurice Sleem has called upon the international community and the United Nations to “move quickly and put an end to the renewed Israeli provocations,” after a gas drilling ship arrived in disputed waters in the Mediterranean Sea to conduct hydrocarbon exploration for Israel.

Sleem said Israel’s activities in the disputed area “constitute a challenge and a provocation to Lebanon, and amount to a flagrant violation of the stability that the southern part of the country enjoys.”

“Once again, Israel has flouted all international law and principles. It is trying to create a fait accompli on the Lebanese borders, especially as it foils attempts being made to resume negotiations aimed at demarcation of the southern maritime borders, in which the United States plays the role of mediator under the auspices of the United Nations,” the Lebanese defense chief said.

Sleem called on the international community and the United Nations to “move quickly to put an end to the renewed Israeli provocations, implement international resolutions, and anticipate any security deterioration in southern Lebanon that could have repercussions on the regional stability.”

Earlier, Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun warned Israel against any “aggressive action” in disputed waters.

He said on Sunday that any activity in the area would amount to an act of aggression and a provocation, after the arrival of the natural gas storage and production ship operated by London-based Energean.

The Lebanese presidency said in a statement that Aoun had discussed with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati the vessel’s entry “into the disputed maritime area with Israel, and asked the Army Command to provide him with accurate and official data to build upon the matter.”

Aoun said negotiations to delineate the southern maritime border continued and “any action or activity in the disputed area represents a provocation and an aggressive action.”

Mikati also urged the UN and other international parties on Sunday to compel Israel to stop its “dangerous provocations.”