In light of the recent decision made by the Lapid-Bennett government to withhold a response to Turkey's proposal for constructing a gas pipeline intended to transport Mediterranean Sea reservoir gas through Turkey to Europe, the present Israeli administration is embarking on a reevaluation of this matter.
As per a report initially released by Israeli radio station "Bet," a meeting held on Monday between Prime Minister Netanyahu, Energy Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich saw Katz presenting a comprehensive overview of Israel's gas reserves and the potential alternatives for exporting gas, currently under consideration. Among the options deliberated upon is the establishment of a gas pipeline connecting Israel's reservoirs to Turkey. This reexamination has gained prominence, especially in anticipation of Prime Minister Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with Turkish President Erdogan.
Scoop: Ahead of Israel's PM expected meeting with Turkish president Erdogan: The option gas pipeline between Israel and Turkey is back on the table. Israeli officials have started again to conduct internal discussions on the issue https://t.co/i0l2az0nFR
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) August 29, 2023
Ankara has successfully established an expansive network of pipelines facilitating gas transit through the Black Sea, extending across its eastern borders to service the entirety of Europe. At present, this intricate pipeline system carries gas originating from three countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. It is noteworthy that two of these gas suppliers, Russia and Iran, have historically maintained somewhat strained relations with the Western world, leading to potential instability in their gas supplies. The Western countries have enforced an embargo on Russian gas for over a year, and Tehran has frequently adjusted its gas output to align with its political objectives. Consequently, Turkey possesses a well-developed infrastructure while grappling with partially uncertain gas sources.
It seems likely that this uncertainty has prompted Erdogan's administration to take an interest in Israeli gas, particularly the Leviathan reservoir. The Leviathan reservoir stands out not only due to its impressive size but also its consistent production capacity and its strategically advantageous location, situated merely 120 kilometers west of Haifa. Furthermore, it's worth noting its proximity to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a nation acknowledged by Ankara, which holds a vested interest in obtaining gas supply. Turkey is not presently grappling with a gas shortage, thus it is anticipated that a significant portion, if not the entirety, of Israel's gas exports to Europe would traverse this pathway.
▪️#Turkey-#Israel #gas #pipeline is being discussed behind the scenes as one of Europe's alternatives to #Russian #energy supplies
— Saida Zahidova (@Saida_Zahidova) July 15, 2023
▪️#Libya also creates strategies for selling its natural gas via Turkey
▪️Turkey becomes natural gas sales center for #Russia #Azerbaijan and #Iraq pic.twitter.com/fhVl3Q085w
Throughout the years, Turkey has exerted pressure on Israel to engage in the construction of such a gas pipeline. Nonetheless, the Bennett-Lapid government, for reasons including concerns over potentially strained relations with Cyprus and Greece—nations that hold conflicting stances with Turkey—had been hesitant to commit to such a project.
