Natural gas

The delineation of the Libyan and Turkish Exclusive Economic Zones was and remains essential not only for Israel and Egypt but also for others in the region who seek to curtail Erdogan’s ambitions and shore up Egypt’s economic and political stability.

The agreement with Lebanon over the maritime border has several implications and needs to be examined from different angles.

Lebanon Deal Is a Capitulation Contract for Israel

Israel caves to a bad maritime deal

It is unclear whether endorsing a lousy agreement is preferable to a violent confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel should not be afraid of military conflict.

We should not forget that moderate Arab states are watching Israeli behavior, especially in the Gulf. Without determined and effective action, Israel’s allies in the region, wary of American withdrawal and fearful of Iran, will be reluctant to rely on Israel and could later move closer to Tehran.

With the war in Ukraine, some European diplomats and think tanks have started noticing the potential of the Abraham Accords for Europe’s security and energy needs.

Turkey-Greece Tensions Could Deepen European Energy Crisis

Israel must prepare for a military operation against Hezbollah

A more coherent common foreign policy agenda is needed to enhance the strategic significance of the Athens-Jerusalem-Nicosia partnership.

Russia-Ukraine war: Conflict boosts hopes for East Mediterranean energy, experts say

The gas pipeline fueling Turkey’s charm offensive

Greek and Israeli defence ministers meet after US ends support for EastMed pipeline

With gas alliance moored to Turkey tensions, Israel tacks toward energy security
Dr. Eran Lerman: The direction is to bring the Egyptians in, which will them resistant to Turkish blandishment, which seems to be increasing. Dr. Eytan Yanarocak: Erdogan is trying to mend the fences with Joe Biden.

On the deal to provide natural gas to Gaza
Interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar

The EastMed Dispute & its Implications for Israel, Part II
Dr. Eran Lerman and Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of JISS look ahead at opportunities for cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.

The EastMed Dispute & its Implications for Israel, Part I
Dr. Eran Lerman and Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of JISS analyze the factors roiling the Mediterranean region: the newly discovered gas resources in contested Exclusive Economic Zones, and the assertive policy of Turkey under Erdogan.

The projected gas pipeline between Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Italy confirms that Israel's regional partnership has shifted from Turkey to Greece and that a new energy hub is emerging in the eastern Mediterranean. Yet this welcome geopolitical change has many opponents. Israel will need to act proactively and assess energy-related power struggles within the EU in order to actualize the pipeline.

Natural gas has turned Greece from a rival to an ally just as relations between Israel and Turkey started deteriorating.