cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/40346958
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he has approved a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, the biggest gas deal in Israeli history. The agreement could also help repair relations between the two countries strained during the two-year war in the Gaza Strip.
The gas will be delivered to Egypt over the next 15 years by U.S. energy giant Chevron, a key owner of the gas field off Israel’s coast in the Mediterranean Sea. Half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel’s state coffers.
In a recorded video statement, Netanyahu said the deal “greatly strengthens Israel’s position as a regional energy power, and it contributes to stability in our region.”
Egypt, which borders both Israel and Gaza, has served as a key mediator between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group leading up to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that was agreed on in October. Cairo has also has been a vocal critic of Israel’s offensive, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction in Gaza.
I wouldn’t count on much. I think it was Jordan that signed an agreement on water rights and now Israel is refusing to honor the agreement? Either way, they are just like the USA admin. They’ll promise things and reneg on the agreement when it suits them.