Israeli media said that the American company “Energy”, which developed the Karish gas field, on the border with Lebanon, will start today, Sunday, the trial pumping of gas, amid the continuing dispute with Lebanon over the field and the maritime borders between the two countries.
And the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported, on Sunday, that the “Energy” company will begin testing the gas platform pipeline from the Karish gas field.
And Saturday, the Israeli Channel 12 reported that the security establishment gave the company the green light to start its tests, while the Hebrew channel Kan reported that the full pumping operations may begin within weeks once the tests are completed.
The Karish gas field has been at the center of the conflict with Lebanon over gas exploration rights, with Lebanon’s Hezbollah repeatedly warning that it is ready to respond if gas extraction begins without an agreement on drilling rights.
Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said his country would press ahead with extraction plans, even if no agreement was reached, warning Hezbollah that any attack would face a “firm” response.
Lebanon and Israel are quarreling over a marine area rich in oil and gas in the Mediterranean, with an area of 860 square kilometers. Washington is mediating indirect negotiations between them to settle the dispute and demarcate the border.
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid rejected Lebanese comments on the draft maritime border agreement between the two countries.
