State news agency says Lebanese president spoke with senior officials 'to provide a Lebanese response as soon as possible' on US-brokered draft of deal to demarcate sea border

Aoun's successor is to be chosen at a time when Lebanon is going through an economic meltdown and the government struggling to implement necessary structural reforms

Lebanese president Michel Aoun briefed on deputy speaker's recent talks with American mediator Amos Hochstein, day after Israeli TV says agreement expected in next two weeks

Lebanon has yet to meet requirements it agreed to in April to receive a $3 billion loan necessary to jumpstart failing economy

Decision comes after Lebanese president presents proposals on disputed maritime border to US energy envoy Hochstein

Lebanese leaders meet US energy official Amos Hochstein, officials say attempt to widen disputed area to so-called Line 29 dropped by Beirut after Israel refused to engage

Bennett also speaks to visiting Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi about possibility of getting Israeli gas to Europe as it weens itself off Russian supplies

Officials in Lebanon reportedly prepared to give Israel full control of the Karish field in return for Lebanon getting the Qana field

Officials tell Reuters Beirut will propose to US energy envoy that talks use more northerly line as starting point, excluding Israel's Karish field

According to Kan, Navy using vessels including submarines to defend drilling site; Iron Dome battery to be placed nearby as well