A third round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon regarding their maritime border dispute is scheduled to take place next week, according to a United States official familiar with the matter.

The upcoming talks represent a continuation of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing disagreement over the demarcation of the two countries' maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The negotiations are being facilitated by American mediators, who have played a crucial role in bringing both parties to the table despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the neighboring states.

While specific details about the agenda for the third round have not been disclosed, the talks are expected to build upon progress made during previous sessions. The maritime border dispute has taken on increased significance in recent years following the discovery of substantial natural gas reserves in the contested waters, making the economic stakes of the negotiations considerably higher for both nations.

The United States has maintained an active role in mediating the discussions, with American officials working to bridge gaps between the Israeli and Lebanese positions. The talks represent a rare instance of direct negotiation between Israel and Lebanon, which remain technically in a state of war and do not maintain diplomatic ties.

Both countries have expressed interest in reaching an agreement that would allow for the exploitation of energy resources in the disputed area while avoiding potential conflict. The resolution of the maritime boundary question could pave the way for significant economic benefits for both nations through natural gas extraction and export opportunities.

The Lebanon-Israel maritime border dispute has persisted for over a decade, with both countries claiming overlapping areas of approximately 860 square kilometers in the Mediterranean Sea. Previous attempts at resolution have faced numerous obstacles, making the current round of U.S.-mediated talks a significant diplomatic development. The negotiations take place against a backdrop of regional tensions and Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis, which has added urgency to Beirut's desire to access potential offshore energy revenues.