Israel’s defence minister addressed the maritime talks with Lebanon, saying “Israel is ready to reach a deal that will assist both countries economically and energy-wise. I believe there will be two gas rigs in the sea, one on the Israeli side and one on the Lebanese side”. He also warned that if Hizbollah’s leadership “wants to try and harm and to complicate this process, he is welcome to do so, the price is Lebanon… I hope for his sake that we won’t do this”. Relatedly, National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata asserted: “Israel wants a stable Lebanon. We want to weaken Hizbollah’s influence… We hope that the Lebanese leaedership will also work to reach an agreement and will not allow Hizbollah to increase instability. We are not deterred by Nasrallah’s threats”.