Israeli minister signals energy plans will move forward
Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen has said the Israel-Cyprus pipeline will be built, stressing that the country will move ahead with its energy plans without outside interference.
At the same time, Cohen revealed that US energy giant ExxonMobil is in talks over a potential entry into Israel’s natural gas and oil exploration sector.
In an interview with Israeli television network Channel 14, Cohen said Israel had demonstrated its ability to protect its interests.
“The pipeline between Israel and Cyprus will be built. We know how to defend ourselves, and no one can dictate terms to us. Over the past two and a half years, we have shown that those who threaten the State of Israel do not meet a good end,” he said.
Cohen also referred to Israel’s defence cooperation with the United States and concerns over advanced weapons systems potentially being acquired by Turkey.
“We must work with the United States to prevent Turkey from acquiring advanced weapons systems. We must insist that our most important ally, the United States, preserve Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME),” the Israeli minister said.
ExxonMobil in talks over exploration
Meanwhile, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Maariv, ExxonMobil is considering participating in Israel’s fifth licensing round for hydrocarbon exploration in partnership with Energean.
Energean already operates in the country and develops the Karish natural gas field.
The two companies are also working together on a natural gas exploration project in western Greece, strengthening the prospects of expanding their cooperation into the Eastern Mediterranean.
Additional potential of 400 billion cubic metres
The Israeli Energy Minister said the government had worked to create a stable investment environment for international energy companies.
He added that Israel has an estimated additional natural gas potential of 400 billion cubic metres.
According to Cohen, new discoveries would strengthen Israel’s energy security and increase state revenue. Mechanisms have also been introduced to ensure sufficient natural gas supplies for the domestic market.
The proposed Israel-Cyprus pipeline forms part of broader efforts to expand regional energy infrastructure and strengthen energy links across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Israel aims to become an energy bridge
Referring to geopolitical developments and tensions with Iran, Cohen said threats affecting maritime energy transport routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, were now being addressed through alternative plans.
He said projects to develop new oil and natural gas transport infrastructure were at an advanced stage, with the aim of transforming Israel into an energy bridge between Gulf countries and Europe.
The Israeli Energy Minister’s comments come amid growing interest in energy developments across the Eastern Mediterranean, as new infrastructure projects move forward and major international energy companies strengthen their presence in the region.
Also read: Turkey gas pipeline MoU with occupied areas due on Friday
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