Despite divide over settlements, Israel expands energy cooperation with Egypt

Israel’s Energy Minister Israel Katz concluded on Tuesday a two-day visit to Cairo, where he participated in the EGYPS 2023 Petroleum Show. It was Katz’s first visit abroad since taking office. The high-level visit reflects Israel's desire to deepen its ties with Egypt, especially on natural gas, renewable energies, hydrogen and stockage of electricity.

Israel and Egypt were at the origins of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), first established in 2019. Other members include Cyprus, Greece, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, France and Italy. The European Union and the United States participate as observers to the group.

Over the years, this forum has become one of the milestones of Israel-Egypt relations, alongside bilateral security cooperation. Israeli gas is exported to Egypt where it is liquified either for local use or export. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing global energy crisis, Israel, Egypt and the European Union agreed to increase efforts for cooperation in this field. Companies operating the marine natural gas fields off of Israel's shore have asked lately to increase export quotas. The issue is under consideration by Israeli authorities.

During his Cairo visit, Katz met with a series of senior Egyptian and European officials, including Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek al-Mulla, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson and Secretary General of the EMGF Osama Mubarez.