Brief: U.S.-mediated negotiations continue as Israel and Lebanon work toward finalizing their maritime boundary agreement in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold a third round of talks next week aimed at resolving outstanding issues related to their maritime border, according to a U.S. official familiar with the negotiations.

The upcoming discussions, which will be mediated by American envoys, represent a continuation of diplomatic efforts to finalize technical aspects of the maritime boundary agreement between the two countries. The talks come as both nations seek to clarify terms and implementation mechanisms for the demarcation of their exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.

While Israel and Lebanon remain in a formal state of war with no diplomatic relations, the U.S. has served as an intermediary in the sensitive negotiations. The maritime border issue carries significant economic implications, particularly concerning natural gas exploration rights in disputed waters off the Mediterranean coast.

Israeli officials have emphasized that any agreement must protect the country's security interests and sovereign rights to develop energy resources within its territorial waters. The negotiations are separate from land border issues and do not constitute formal diplomatic recognition between the two states.

Lebanon, which faces severe economic challenges, views the potential development of offshore gas fields as a crucial opportunity for revenue generation. However, the involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanese politics has complicated the diplomatic process, as the Iranian-backed terrorist organization maintains its hostile posture toward Israel.

The maritime talks began following American diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing potential conflict over competing claims to gas-rich areas. Previous rounds have yielded progress on technical matters, though significant gaps reportedly remain on certain boundary points and revenue-sharing arrangements for fields that straddle the demarcation line.

Israel has successfully developed its offshore natural gas industry in recent years, with major fields including Leviathan and Tamar contributing to the country's energy independence and export capacity. The current negotiations seek to ensure Israel can continue expanding its energy sector while preventing maritime disputes from escalating into military confrontation with its northern neighbor.