Bassil Discusses Oil, Gas Exploration Bill with Berri amid “Israeli” Threats

Local Editor

Energy Minister Gebran Bassil met with Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday to discuss a bill on oil and gas exploration in Lebanese waters amid "Israel's" threat to use force to protect its gas fields from Lebanon, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

"The main issue that must be given top priority is gas exploration," Bassil said in a statement after meeting with Berri.

As energy minister, Bassil said he will act to have the cabinet approve the bill quickly, "especially since there are "Israeli" threats that are developing in this respect."
Bassil's remarks come after "Israeli" newspaper Haaretz quoted "Israeli" Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau as saying his country will not hesitate to use force to protect the gas fields from Lebanon.

The "Israeli" threat comes after Berri earlier this month urged the cabinet to start exploring its offshore natural gas reserves.