Israel energy minister says gas flowing to Egypt, Jordan despite shutdown reports
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Al-Monitor that despite security concerns and partial shut down of marine gas platforms, Israel continues to supply gas to Egypt, Jordan and Israeli consumers.
Despite the partial shutdown of two marine gas extraction platforms over fears Iran could target them, Israel continues to supply natural gas to Egypt, Jordan and domestic consumers, Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Al-Monitor.
"Most of Israel’s gas-extraction infrastructure is active at different levels. Only part of the gas platforms have been closed because of the security situation," said Cohen. "We continue to honor our commitments and supply natural gas to the Israeli market as well as to Egypt and Jordan."
Cohen’s statement came after Ynet reported Sunday that the Leviathan and Karish Mediterranean gas fields were closed.
The Israeli Defense Ministry, the report said, had instructed the American energy giant Chevron, which operates these fields, to shut down operations after the Feb. 28 Israeli-American attack on Iran, citing fears the Iranian regime could retaliate by targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. Israel’s third gas field, Tamar, remained open, the report said, adding that Amman and Cairo both requested Israel resume gas exports.
