JERUSALEM, July 14 (UPI) -- Hezbollah Deputy Chief Sheik Naim Qassem has warned Israel it would protect its borders and maritime rights against encroachment.
The latest rub between Hezbollah, which the United States considers a terrorist organization, and Israel concerns a proposed sea border change to give Israel access to two major gas fields off the eastern Mediterranean coast, the Jerusalem Post reported Thursday.
Israel reached an agreement with Cyprus marking the two nation's sea borders in December. Cyprus came to a similar agreement with Lebanon four years ago -- although it hasn't yet been approved in the Lebanese parliament.
Israeli officials Sunday approved a border map for submission to the United Nations. Israeli officials said ministers simply extended a line between to so-called Blue Line -- the border established by the U.N. in June 2000 -- to the southernmost point of the Cyprus-Lebanon agreement.
"We will not be frightened by the Israeli threats and we will not change our stance in adhering to our rights, and Israel knows that its threats against Lebanon are worthless, after the bitter experiences it went through in the face of Lebanon's steadfastness and vigor," Qassem said.
