Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that “if Hezbollah wants to try and harm the Karish rig, he’s welcome to do so, but the price will be Lebanon.”
Gantz said that Israel is ready to reach a deal that will assist both countries economically and energy-wise, “I believe there will be two gas rigs in the sea, one on the Israeli side and one on the Lebanese side.”
“We will protect our gas rig regardless,” Gantz stressed.
Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata said earlier that the maritime talks were “an excuse” for Hezbollah to ramp up threats.
Hulata said that Israel wants a “stable Lebanon” and a weakened Hezbollah’s influence in the country.
“We hope that the Lebanese leadership will also work to reach an agreement and will not allow Hezbollah to increase instability. We are not deterred by Nasrallah’s threats. The Karish rig will start producing as soon as it is ready,” he added.
