Updated Apr 12, 2021 | 13:37 IST
The US has long been seen as the only country capable of brokering a deal. Its interest for doing so would be to undercut the influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. File picture: An Israeli soldier walks past a sign reads Israeli Police Rosh Hanikra point in the Rosh Hanikra border crossing between Israel and Lebanon in northern Israel | Photo Credit: AP
Lebanon’s economy is in tatters. Still, the country might be saved from disaster if it can eventually benefit from hydrocarbon deposits off its shoreline. But to do that, it must first settle its maritime boundary with Israel – the key prospects lie in waters disputed by both. The problem, however, is that both sides have taken diametrical positions from which they won’t budge. With a stronger economy, Israel can afford to wait out Lebanon. This places Beirut in the unenviable position of eventually conceding its claims or risking even deeper damage