Brief: US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will continue as both nations work toward finalizing their maritime boundary agreement.

Israel and Lebanon will hold a third round of talks next week aimed at resolving remaining issues in their maritime border negotiations, according to a US official familiar with the discussions.

The upcoming meeting represents continued progress in American-mediated efforts to finalize an agreement between the two countries, which remain technically in a state of war. The talks focus on demarcating the maritime boundary in the eastern Mediterranean, an area believed to contain significant natural gas reserves.

While specific details of the next round were not disclosed, the continued engagement signals both parties' interest in reaching a comprehensive agreement. For Israel, securing its maritime borders and energy resources in the region remains a strategic priority, particularly as the country expands its role as a regional energy supplier.

The negotiations have proceeded through indirect American mediation, as Lebanon and Israel do not maintain direct diplomatic relations. US officials have worked to bridge positions between the two sides on technical and legal aspects of the maritime boundary.

Israel has invested heavily in developing its offshore gas fields, with discoveries such as Tamar and Leviathan transforming the country's energy independence and creating opportunities for regional exports. A finalized maritime agreement would provide legal clarity and security for continued exploration and development in disputed waters.

The talks represent one of the rare areas of indirect cooperation between Israel and Lebanon, despite the ongoing influence of Hezbollah in Lebanese politics and periodic tensions along the land border. Previous rounds have focused on technical surveys, boundary coordinates, and resource-sharing arrangements in areas where claims overlap.