Egypt's energy dependence on Israel, a "lever of pressure" for Tel Aviv
An agreement was signed on August 7 between Cairo and Tel Aviv, providing for the export of 130 billion cubic meters of Israeli gas over a period of fifteen years. This is the largest export contract in Israel's history, according to the Lebanese daily L'Orient-Le Jour, which questions its economic and geopolitical implications for Egypt, particularly in the context of the war in Gaza.
On August 7, the [Israeli] Leviathan gas field signed the largest export contract in Israel's history with Egypt. This agreement comes amid a tense regional context marked by the conflict in Gaza.
As Cairo comes under increasing pressure to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza via the Rafah crossing, the Egyptian government has nonetheless committed to this controversial energy partnership.
Concretely, the agreement provides that Egypt will import 130 billion cubic meters of Israeli gas over fifteen years, or approximately 15 to 20% of its annual consumption.
The first phase, starting in 2026, will supply 4.5 billion cubic meters per year, before increasing to 12 billion per year from 2029, thanks to an extension of the Leviathan field and the construction of a new gas pipeline crossing the border at Nitzana.
However, this partnership only covers a moderate share of Egypt's energy needs, which will continue to be met by domestic gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), among other energy sources. According to Egyptian Oil Minister Karim Badawi, this agreement acts as a "strategic insurance," providing Egypt with the flexibility to balance domestic demand with its export ambitions.
Courrier International
