Gantz: If Nasrallah attacks Karish, the price will be Lebanon
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned Thursday that “if (Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan) Nasrallah wants to try and harm the Karish rig, he’s welcome to do so, but the price will be Lebanon.”
“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,” he said.
“We will protect our gas rig regardless,” Gantz added.
Speaking earlier at the same conference, Israelui National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata said the maritime talks were “an excuse” for Nasrallah to ramp up threats.
“Israel wants a stable Lebanon. We want to weaken Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon. That is why we are trying to advance the negotiations on the maritime border. This is beneficial for security stability and the Lebanese economy,” Hulata said.
“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.
Source: Naharnet
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