Israel condemns Libya’s ratification of maritime agreement with Turkey as Ankara defends its legality

Israel on Wednesday condemned the Libyan House of Representatives’ ratification of a maritime boundary agreement with Turkey, accusing Ankara of destabilising the Eastern Mediterranean, while Turkish officials defended the memorandum as legitimate under international law.

The agreement, signed between Turkey and Libya, establishes a framework for demarcating maritime boundaries in an area of the Eastern Mediterranean believed to contain significant natural gas reserves.

The ratification was approved by Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives, operating in a region controlled by forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Haftar’s administration has strengthened relations with Ankara in recent years, despite its longstanding rivalry with Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tripoli.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the decision, stating that it “strongly condemns the decision by the Libyan House of Representatives to ratify the memorandum of understanding on maritime affairs between Turkey and Libya.”

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In a statement posted on X, the ministry added: “It is regrettable that we are once again witnessing Turkey’s efforts to destabilise the Eastern Mediterranean region.”

Greece and Cyprus have also reiterated their opposition to the maritime agreement, while the European Union has backed the positions of its two member states, describing the memorandum as “null and void.”

Turkey, however, welcomed the Libyan parliament’s decision, maintaining that the agreement complies with international legal principles.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the memorandum was based on “the principles of international law and equity” and protected the mutual rights and interests of Turkey and Libya.

The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Ankara and Israel following the 7th October 2023, attacks and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Erdoğan as an “antisemitic dictator.”

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