Hochstein Arrives in Lebanon with New Proposal

U.S. Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs Amos Hochstein arrived in Lebanon Tuesday carrying a new proposal regarding the maritime borders demarcation between Lebanon and Israel.

Amos' visit comes after Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz had said that "Israel is ready to resume the maritime border talks with Lebanon."

Indirect negotiations, mediated by the U.S., had been stalled after a disagreement on a disputed area.

Two weeks ago, Lebanon sent a letter to the U.N. to pressure for speeding up the negotiations.

The letter mentions a disputed area that includes a gas field, the Karish field that Lebanon is considering a disputed area.

It considers any Israeli attempt to explore gas in the area a threat to international peace and security.

As negotiations resume, Lebanon hopes that oil and gas discoveries in its territorial waters will help it overcome an unprecedented economic and financial crisis.