Israel has voiced strong opposition to eastern Libya’s parliamentary decision to ratify a maritime agreement with Türkiye, citing concerns over the potential impact on the maritime rights of regional partners such as Greece and Cyprus. The agreement, which delineates boundaries in the resource-rich eastern Mediterranean, has been a contentious issue, drawing criticism from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, who argue that it infringes on their maritime claims.
The European Union has also questioned the legality of the deal, emphasizing the need to respect the sovereign rights of its member states according to international law. Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Türkiye of exacerbating instability in the eastern Mediterranean, underscoring its close ties with Greece and Cyprus amid strained relations with Türkiye in recent years, partly due to disagreements over the Gaza conflict.
Türkiye, however, maintains that the agreement aligns with international law and serves the interests of both nations involved. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the Libyan parliament’s ratification merely formalizes an arrangement that Türkiye already considered operational.
This development also highlights the complex political landscape within Libya, where eastern factions led by military commander Khalifa Haftar have long been at odds with the internationally recognized government in Tripoli. Despite this, eastern Libya’s connections with Ankara have strengthened over time.
In response to the agreement, the European Union has reiterated its call for adherence to international maritime laws and the protection of member states’ sovereign rights. Greece has escalated the issue to the United Nations, warning that the maritime deal could have broader implications for security and stability in the eastern Mediterranean region.