Axios report says major point of contention is who will mediate talks, with Israel wanting Washington alone, while Beirut looks for UN oversight

Territorial dispute centers on offshore oil and gas drilling rights in part of Mediterranean claimed by both countries

Noble Energy initially refers to incident as an 'operational event,' but later says it was a false alarm caused by a gas detector failure; local leader calls for government probe

Beirut hopes deepwater project, launched with French company near Israel's maritime border, will strike it big, boost crumbling economy

Ministries and field operators affirm that there was no explosion at platform; coastal residents say roaring ball of fire woke them

Official says Nicosia has right to develop energy resources; Israeli, Greek and Cypriot experts meeting to discuss offshore security

Island country says it doesn't have specific proof, but believes pilfered plans and studies are what enabled Turkish exploration ship to sail straight to target spot

FM says country 'has the right to prevent' gas exploration in area it claims as its own; Israel's Delek among firms operating off Cyprus

Foreign ministry spokesman says Jerusalem gives its 'full support and solidarity' to Cypriot sovereign rights against Turkish operations in its exclusive economic zone