On Tuesday, the interim government of Israel agreed to a deal with the government of Lebanon involving the Karish gas field, discovered  just a few kilometers off of the coastal town of the northern Rosh Hanikra in 2010. Lebanon has claimed that part of the Karish maritime gas fields were under its control, and demanded a maximalist economic position for the proceeds of the gas extraction.

Israel has conceded to the Lebanese demands, in exchange for a 3 mile internationally recognized maritime border. The French oil and gas company, Total, had agreed to commence extracting gas this past September, and has delayed this process until this week. Lebanon, whose government is under the firm political control of Iranian-backed Hezbollah had used a complex strategy combining threats from Hezbollah, together with both obstinate and intricate negotiating positions from the Cedars government of Lebanese President Michael Aoun, to be able to conclude this deal. Israel did not commence extracting the gas in September.

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As Israel and Lebanon enter into a binding agreement, regulating the issues of their maritime borders and the production of gas and distribution of the economic benefits, one has to ask:  Who comes out the winner in this negotiation? What is in it for Israel, for Lebanon and for Hezbollah? How successful were these negotiations for everyone involved, and will it actually help to bring peace and stability to the region, economic viability to the people of Lebanon, or simply strengthen Iranian-backed Hezbollah?

About the speaker: Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Sarit Zehavi is the founder and president of Alma – a nonprofit and an independent research and education center specialized in Israel’s security challenges on its northern border. Sarit has briefed hundreds of groups and forums, ranging from US Senators, Congressmen/women and politicians to senior journalists and visiting VIP groups in Israel and overseas. Sarit scripts numerous position papers and updates focusing on Lebanon, Syria and Israel’s national security challenges. She served for 15 years in the Israeli Defense Forces, specializing in Military Intelligence. Sarit holds an M.A. in Middle East Studies from Ben-Gurion University.

Sarit Zehavi and her husband Yaron are raising their 5 children in the Western Galilee.

• Create a long-range strategic plan to achieve EMET’s mission
• Coordinate with the advisory board and CEO about financial goals and helps with the fiscal development of the organization
• Oversee resources, support and coordination necessary for EMET operations, including for the annual dinner and fundraising appeals
• Collaborate with volunteers and staff to implement plans and policies authorized by the Board, including implementation of speaking engagements through the country
• Help promote active and broad engagement by volunteers and support volunteer leadership development
• In partnership with the Board, develop strategies to advance EMET’s goals
• Maintain official records and documents to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

• Help with with the scheduling and follow up with appointments
• Attend, virtually or in person, all appointments 
• Eventually, handle and contribute to our policy discussions with Congress members and foreign policy staffers
• Must have good interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and written 
• Have the philosophical and ideological point of view of EMET to be able to represent us well