The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs said the Iranian-sponsored
Hizbullah could decide to strike energy exploration facilities under Israeli
control, Middle East Newsline reported.
In a report titled "The New Flare-Up between Israel and Lebanon
Over Gas," author Jacques Neriah asserted that the Israeli-Lebanese dispute
has been exacerbated by the failure of the two countries to delineate a
maritime border.
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"As for Israel, the Cabinet has already approved a budget to protect
Israel's 'strategic maritime energy sources,' " the report said. "It would be
a fair assessment that any damage incurred due to Hizbullah's activities
would generate retaliation that would be aimed against the infrastructure of
the Lebanese state."
The report cited the Hizbullah naval assault unit, said to be trained in
underwater sabotage and coastal infiltration. At this point, Neriah said,
Lebanon has sought to confront Israel through pressure from the United
Nations.