Israel and Lebanon concluded a U.S.-mediated agreement on maritime boundaries. President Biden maintained the deal would prepare “the stage for a more stable and prosperous region”, and noted, “The U.S. will continue to serve as a facilitator as the parties work to uphold their commitments and implement this agreement”. Meanwhile, the State Department highlighted that the agreement would “strengthen the economic and security interests of Israel, while promoting critically needed foreign investment for the Lebanese people as they face a devastating economic crisis”. Prime Minister Yair Lapid remarked that “this agreement strengthens Israel’s security and our freedom of action against Hezbollah and the threats to our north”, and announced: “Israel has started producing gas from the Karish field”.