The Israeli naval forces plan to enforce Tel Aviv’s claim over sea-based gas resources off Israel, including one belonging to Lebanon and another, which extends into the country’s waters.

The resources, including Lebanon’s Tamar field, which — situated in the Mediterranean Sea — holds an estimated 8.4 trillion cubic feet (238 billion cubic meters) of natural gas. They cover an area about 1.5 times the size of Israel, AFP reported.

Tel Aviv — which enjoys heavy material, financial and other kinds of support from the West — claims harvesting the fields would boost its energy independence.

Lebanon also owns a major part of Leviathan — another targeted resource, which is located in the joint regional waters between Lebanon and northern Palestine in the Mediterranean. The field is thought to hold natural gas resources of around 16 trillion cubic feet (450 billion cubic meters).

The Navy would present the plan to Tel Aviv at the end of the month.

Last year, Israel threatened to use military force to capture Leviathan.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon, Nabih Berri reacted by saying that "Israel is racing to make the case a fait accompli and was quick to present itself as an oil emirate, ignoring the fact that, according to the maps, the deposit extends into Lebanese waters."

(Press TV)