Israel gears up to begin natural gas exports to Europe

Al-Monitor Pro Members

David Rosenberg

Israeli reporter specializing in business, economics and politics

April 20, 2023

Israel is moving quickly to greatly increase exports of natural gas to Europe as the continent seeks to wean itself off Russian energy imports. Initial work is already underway to step up production at existing fields and begin exploration of new ones. Proposals for a pipeline linking Israeli fields to Europe are still under consideration, but the new gas-market dynamics have made liquefaction the more promising alternative. Increased gas exports would further add to Israel’s foreign exchange earnings and contribute to economic growth, but the greater importance lies in deepening political and economic ties with Europe and its regional energy partners. That said, a significant increase in gas exports is three to five years away.