US energy envoy Hochstein in Israel to discuss tensions with Lebanon's Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US energy envoy Amos Hochstein met Tuesday to discuss recent border tensions with Lebanon’s Hezbollah and offshore gas exploration.

The Israel Hayom newspaper said Hochstein discussed with Netanyahu tents set up by Iran-backed Hezbollah in the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms weeks ago. The outlet did not reveal further details on that matter.

Israel has reportedly been making diplomatic efforts to reach a solution over the outpost but it was not clear if its efforts would succeed.

Earlier reports said that Washington made an offer to Israel according to which Hezbollah would agree to remove a remaining tent at the border in return for Israel halting the construction of a security barrier it had started building in Ghajar village, part of which is located on the Lebanese side of the Blue Line.

The other part is located in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

Israel has threatened to move the tents by force if need be, to which Hezbollah has said it would retaliate with force.

The development is one of a series of disturbances at the border, which has included cross-border fire between the two sides. A rocket attack from southern Lebanon into Israel was not claimed by any party.

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Hochstein and Netanyahu also discussed Israel’s gas sector and the Lebanese government’s intentions to begin offshore gas exploration later this year.

The US envoy played a pivotal role in mediating talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv which led to a landmark agreement last year between the enemy states to demarcate their maritime border.

Hochstein and the Israeli premier – under immense pressure at home due to a number of issues including a controversial judicial overhaul plan and increased Israeli attacks in occupied Palestinian territories – also discussed other topics of common interest.

Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the two discussed a plan to establish a land route between the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel that would link Israel’s ports to the Gulf.

Israel shares ties with the UAE and Jordan and has tried to establish relations with Saudi Arabia – but Riyadh has refused to do so before Palestinian statehood is granted, among other conditions.