Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Energy Minister Karin Elharar released a joint statement regarding the "Shark natural gas field" rig published in 3 languages on social media:
The "Shark" rig is a strategic asset of the State of Israel, designed to exploit the energy resources and natural gas in the economic area of the State of Israel, and to promote Israel's green economy.
Upon mooring, the rig is located in Israeli territory, miles south of an area that is being negotiated between the State of Israel and the State of Lebanon, mediated by the United States. The rig will not draw gas from the disputed area.
The State of Israel considers it of paramount importance to safeguard its strategic assets, and is prepared to protect them and the security of its infrastructure. All in accordance with her rights.
At the same time, we call on the State of Lebanon to speed up negotiations on the maritime border. Locating gas-based energy sources can greatly help the Lebanese economy and its citizens, and it is in the first interest of the Lebanese state to advance the discourse on the issue, and we hope that will happen."