Yuval Steinitz, energy minister of Israel, has called to Lebanese president Michel Aoun for a meeting to discuss the maritime border. The reason for the request is due to Lebanon’s recent demands for more maritime territory than they currently possess with previous settlements. Steinitz is confident that a possible meeting could solve the territory dispute once and for all, therefore leading to the economic and cultural welfare of both countries. Steinitz also has tweeded his thoughts on how Lebanon has changed their mind on their border many times over the past 15 years. Steinitz wants to deal with the situation in a pragmatic way, trying to keep the best interest of both countries at heart. Lebanon has more to gain, with their imports of billions of dollars of oil, while Israel uses their own natural resources and exporting some.
The possible solution of this dispute could benefit both countries. As mentioned, Lebanon will benefit economically. Israel has less to lose, but the cooperation with Lebanon can increase their international relationship, therefore serving as an advantage at an alliance standpoint. The revolution of communication is interesting to see in this article. As stated, the way the Israel energy minister contacted the Lebanese president is on twitter. It is quick, simple, and can be seen by anyone. It doesn’t require anything more than a few buttons. They can converse without problem, and in the public eye.
The dispute between Israel and Lebanon can be defined as a fight for power. Although not a fight or war, the dispute is over territory that can be a great benefit to factors that affect the status of power, such as GDP, territory, and natural resources. The realist perspective shows us that the incentive for all things internationally is for one’s own benefit, and we can see proof in this article that confirms this theory. Lebanon wants to increase their maritime territory so they can increase imports and their economy, they have an incentive that will increase their national interests.