Joint statement by FM Lapid, MOD Gantz, and Minister of Energy Elharar regarding the "Karish" rig

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

08.06.2022

A strategic asset at sea

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid, Minister of Defense Benny Gantz, and Minister of Energy Karin Elharar today (Wednesday, June 8, 2022) issued a joint statement regarding the "Karish" rig:

"The 'Karish' rig is a strategic asset of the State of Israel and is intended to extract the energy resources and natural gas in the State of Israel's Economic Zone and to advance Israel's 'green economy'.

"With its anchoring, the rig is located in Israeli territory, several kilometers south of the area over which negotiations are being conducted between the State of Israel and the State of Lebanon, mediated by the United States. The rig will not pump gas from the disputed territory.

"The State of Israel prioritizes the protection of its strategic assets, and is prepared to defend them and the security of its infrastructure, all in accordance with its rights.

"At the same time, we call on the State of Lebanon to accelerate negotiations on the maritime border. Locating gas-based energy sources can greatly assist Lebanon's economy and its citizens, and it is in the interest of the State of Lebanon to advance the dialogue on this matter. We hope that this will occur."