Libyan Parliament Backs Turkey Maritime Deal, Raising Israeli Energy Project Concerns

The parliament in eastern Libya has unanimously approved a 2019 maritime border agreement with Turkey, a move that strengthens Ankara's regional position and could complicate Israel's energy projects. The decision, made on Tuesday, October 20, ended years of opposition from political factions aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar, securing support across Libya's political divide. Greece has rejected the decision, while Turkey hailed it as a significant boost to its maritime rights claims in the eastern Mediterranean. The agreement aims to regulate the exploration and exploitation of natural resources, including gas and oil. Greece opposes it, arguing the demarcation disregards its maritime rights related to its islands, particularly Crete, and encroaches on areas claimed by Greece and Egypt under a separate agreement. The Turkish-Libyan deal may hinder Israel's plans to connect to European energy infrastructure via Cyprus and Greece, specifically impacting a planned underwater electricity cable project. Ankara claims part of the route falls under its jurisdiction, requiring prior approval for seabed surveys. This could delay projects, increase costs, and deter investors, potentially leading to Israel's increased reliance on U.S. and European support. However, the agreement does not automatically grant Turkey the right to block Israeli shipping or resolve the underlying maritime border disputes.

The 2019 agreements, signed in Istanbul between Turkey and Libya's Government of National Accord led by Faiz al-Sarraj, covered military cooperation and maritime boundaries. The eastern Libyan parliament's reversal of its previous rejection, which had cited the need for legislative approval, was welcomed by the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity's Foreign Ministry as a positive step for bilateral relations and regional stability. This consensus between Libya's rival political camps is seen as an Ankara political achievement, reportedly resulting from a gradual warming of relations between Ankara and Haftar's camp, despite Turkey's military support against Haftar's forces in 2019-2020. Anas el-Ghumati, head of the Sadek Institute, called the decision a "complete reversal," while researcher Jalal Harshaoui suggested it could pave the way for expanded Turkish military presence in eastern Libya.

Greece maintains the Libyan parliament's approval does not grant the agreement legal force, stating it violates maritime law and infringes on regional sovereign rights. Greece has informed allies and plans to protect its interests. Turkey's Foreign Ministry, conversely, stated the deal respects the rights and interests of both nations and aligns with international law. The dispute also affects energy exploration rights, as the Turkish-Libyan agreement's zones overlap with those defined in a 2020 agreement between Greece and Egypt, which Ankara opposes. Former Turkish admiral Cem Gürdeniz, associated with the "Blue Homeland" concept, called the decision a major diplomatic achievement for Turkey, marking a significant setback for Greece and its allies. He believes it strengthens Turkey's legal and political standing regarding its continental shelf claims notified to the UN in March 2020. Gürdeniz also linked the decision to the Great Sea Interconnector electricity cable project, urging Turkey to assert its jurisdiction over seabed surveys and consider resuming seismic and drilling activities in disputed areas, emphasizing the need for a "real presence at sea" to support diplomatic gains.