When it comes to natural gas, Israel has become a world power practically overnight.

The Tamar and Leviathan gas fields have enough natural gas to meet Israeli needs for more than half a century. A very respectable government commission spent many months struggling with the issue. They heard all the experts, read all the analyses, and eventually decided to split this resource almost 50-50, between internal use and export. The Tzemach Commission determined that 53% of Israeli gas discovered to date would be exported, while the remaining 47% would be kept for the Israeli market, thereby ensuring energy independence for the next 25 to 30 years.

Ostensibly, it is a fair and well-reasoned decision. It would have passed with practically no interjections as recently as 10 years ago, or even five years ago, for that matter.

Not now though, not under the new market conditions that have emerged throughout the world. A vociferous protest movement has appeared in Israel, demanding that the overwhelming share of that gas be designated for use at home. Demonstrations took place almost daily in front of the prime minister’s residence and the homes of the energy and finance ministers  and other senior officials connected to the decision.