Israel condemns Libya’s approval of maritime agreement with Turkey

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1. 2h ago

   Israel Condemns Eastern Libya Approval of Turkey Maritime Pact

   Israel joined Egypt, Greece, and the European Union in condemning the eastern Libyan parliament for ratifying a maritime boundary agreement with Turkey. Israel stated the accord violates the sovereign rights of close regional allies and accuses Ankara of undermining regional stability. The deal establishes maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, including waters claimed by Greece. Greece and Cyprus oppose the arrangement, arguing it violates international maritime law. Egypt and Israel mounted a rare united stand against the pact due to Mediterranean oil and gas exploration rights.

   Why it matters

   The Eastern Libyan parliament approved the maritime deal after previously rejecting it in 2020. The pact has drawn immediate rejections from Greece and dismissal from European Union leadership, which labeled the accord null and void. The developments reshape Mediterranean alignment and pose new security challenges for Israel and its neighbors.

   What is confirmed

   • Israel condemned the Libyan House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 21, for ratifying a maritime boundary agreement with Turkey.
   • The European Union's top diplomat stated that the Turkish-Libyan deal is null and void.
   • Greece and Cyprus oppose the deal, arguing that it violates international maritime law and disregards offshore rights.
   • Egypt and Israel made a united stand against the maritime deal over Mediterranean oil and gas exploration rights.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Israel, Egypt, and Greece are reportedly furious that the United States refuses to stand up to Turkish President Erdogan regarding the maritime dispute.

   What to watch next

   • Developments in talks between Greece and Egypt to extend their maritime zone further east
   • Official actions or legal challenges by the European Union against the maritime agreement
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Reuters — Eastern Libya parliament approves maritime deal with Turkey, drawing Greek rejection
   2. Reuters — Greece rejects Libyan approval of Turkey-Libya maritime deal
   3. www.wsls.com — Saudi capital's airport opens to limited traffic, and other Mideast news
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Libya's HoR ratifying Turkey maritime deal 'very troubling' for Israeli security, expert to 'Post'
   5. The Times of Israel — Israel condemns Libya’s approval of maritime agreement with Turkey
   6. i24NEWS — EU Slams Turkey-Libya Maritime Deal As Tensions Rise With Greece And Cyprus
   7. eKathimerini.com — EU’s top diplomat says Turkish-Libyan deal ‘null and void’
   8. Business Insider Africa — Egypt and Israel make rare united stand against oil-rich Libya’s maritime deal with Turkey over Mediterranean oil and gas exploration rights
   9. The Jerusalem Post — Why Libya’s embrace of Turkey’s maritime deal reshapes the Mediterranean alignment - analysis
   10. Al Jazeera — What is the Turkiye-Libya maritime deal, and why are the EU, Egypt opposed?
   11. Reuters — Greece, Egypt in talks to extend maritime zone further east
   12. www.israelhayom.com — Israel, Egypt, Greece furious as US refuses to stand up to Erdogan
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