After a maritime border agreement with Beirut last month, Israel on Tuesday gave Qatar permission to take part in drilling for natural gas in the Kana-Sidon field in Lebanon, Israeli media reported.
Israel’s Energy Ministry confirmed that a state-owned Qatari business would join the consortium exploring the gas field.
Given that the two nations do not have diplomatic ties, it is particularly significant that Jerusalem approved the Qatari enterprise. Nonetheless, Doha permitted direct commercial flights from Israel to Qatar for the World Cup, which began on Sunday.
The Gulf state also approved the presence of Israeli officials on the ground and the opening of a temporary office to assist Israelis attending the tournament.
The historic maritime accord, which ended a protracted dispute between Israel and Lebanon, stipulates that Jerusalem has the right to veto the approval of any company engaged in gas exploration from the field. Even though it is primarily located in Lebanese territorial waters, the field crosses Israel’s economic zone.
