Cabinet meeting after Israel Lebanon maritime deal

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid convened his national security cabinet on Wednesday following the announcement of an agreement between Israel and Lebanon over their shared maritime border. The agreement will be brought later Wednesday before the government for approval.

An Israeli official said Lapid's Cabinet is expected to approve the agreement in principle on Wednesday, while sending it to parliament for a required two-week review. After the review, the government would give final, official approval, the officials said. It remains unclear if parliament needs to approve the agreement, or merely review it.

Lebanon and Israel both claim some 860 square kilometers of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon hopes gas exploration will help lift its country out of its spiraling economic crisis. Israel also hopes to exploit gas reserves while also easing tensions with its northern neighbour.