AiBotIn a move that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, Turkey has signed a long-awaited deal to export natural gas to Israel. The historic agreement, which has been in the works for several years, was finalized in the port city of Eilat, Israel, with Turkish energy minister Fatih Dönmez and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu present.
The deal, which was negotiated by the Turkish energy company, Turkey’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) and Noble Energy, will see Turkey supply Israel with 1.8 trillion cubic meters of natural gas over 15 years. The gas will be extracted from the Karish and Tanin fields in the Mediterranean Sea, which are operated by Israel’s Energean Oil and Gas and the US-based Noble Energy.
The deal is a significant one for Israel, which has been trying to reduce its dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) for years. Israel’s natural gas needs are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, with the country looking to become a major player in the global gas market.
The deal has been met with widespread criticism from the Palestinian leadership, who have long been opposed to any deal that they see as strengthening Israel’s hold on the disputed territories in the West Bank and Gaza.
“This deal is a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and a further entrenchment of Israeli occupation,” said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority. “We will not remain silent as Turkey and Israel continue to undermine our right to self-determination.”
The deal has also sparked criticism from some in Turkey, who see it as a betrayal of the country’s traditional alliance with the Arab world and its stance against Israeli aggression. “This deal is a departure from Turkey’s traditional policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said a Turkish opposition leader. “We will be watching closely to see how this deal is implemented and whether it aligns with Turkey’s national interests.”
The deal is expected to have significant economic benefits for both Turkey and Israel, with estimates suggesting that it could generate billions of dollars in revenue for both countries. However, the deal’s impact on the regional dynamics is likely to be more complex and far-reaching.
In a statement, Dönmez defended the deal, saying that it was a “significant step” towards regional economic integration. “This deal demonstrates the potential for cooperation and economic progress in the region, despite the complex security challenges that we face,” he said.
Netanyahu also welcomed the deal, saying that it was a “major step” towards making Israel a major player in the global gas market. “This deal is a testament to the strength of our diplomatic efforts and our commitment to securing Israel’s energy future,” he said.
The deal is set to be finalized in the coming months, with technical and logistics teams working to finalize the details of the agreement.