Israel-Egypt: When gas is stronger than diplomacy |
The cooling of relations between Israel and Egypt since the outbreak of the war in Gaza has ignited the idea of a possible long-term deterioration of the partnership between the two countries. Pressures from Egyptian public opinion, deep differences about how to run the Palestinian conflict, and security concerns around Sinai have, at first glance, undermined a balance patiently built since the Camp David agreements. Yet, at the heart of this relationship under tension, a pillar resists: energy cooperation, and in particular the gas agreement concluded under the auspices of the United States. Rather than posing a threat, it appears to be a strategic stabilizing factor that benefits both parties, particularly Egypt.
Since the discovery of significant Israeli offshore deposits, notably Leviathan and Tamar, the issue has never been one of production but of export. In the absence of liquefaction infrastructures, Israel quickly understood that its integration into a regional scheme was essential.........