Report: Israel relieved over border row after Iran reassured it on Hizbullah

Israel has expressed relief that the gas row with Lebanon will be resolved through a U.S. mediation after it received Iranian “reassurances” that Hizbullah does not intend to escalate the situation in south Lebanon during this period, diplomatic sources said.

“In light of this, the status quo will be maintained on the southern front until further notice,” the sources told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper in remarks published Tuesday.

“Should the Vienna negotiations reach a critical point that obliges the Iranians to flip the table in a dramatic way, a decision might be taken to blow up the situations on the fronts surrounding Israel, whether in Gaza or Lebanon,” the sources added.

Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Monday that the offshore gas dispute with Lebanon will be resolved through a U.S. mediation, after the arrival of a gas ship in an area disputed by Lebanon sparked tensions.

Hizbullah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem meanwhile said, also on Monday, that his group is ready to take action, "including force," once Lebanon’s government adopts a clearer policy towards the border dispute.

"When the Lebanese state says that the Israelis are aggressing against our waters and our oil, then we are ready to do our part in terms of pressure, deterrence and use of appropriate means, including force," Qassem said in an interview.