In the Eastern Mediterranean, significant natural gas reserves have been discovered, creating new geopolitical dynamics between Egypt, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. These discoveries once again brought collaboration and tension, with each country seeking to leverage its resources while protecting its national interests.
Let’s start with Egypt, the largest Arab country, which has positioned itself as an energy hub by signing deals with Israel to import natural gas through liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. This approach strengthened Egyptian influence at the regional level and made it possible to supply European markets via gas pipelines crossing Greece and Italy. Additionally, Egypt shares huge gas fields with Israel, such as the Noa field, improving bilateral relations despite centuries of animosity. However, this alignment faces opposition domestically due to persistent anti-Semitic sentiments.
Now let’s move on to Lebanon – a country historically in conflict with Israel. Beirut recently discovered substantial offshore gas deposits, sparking border disputes with Tel Aviv over shared reservoirs. Despite attempts at mediation, including a proposal awarding 55% of the area to Lebanon and 45% to Israel, neither agreed to the terms. As a result, exploration remains suspended, causing irritation among local populations who see unused wealth beneath the waves. Furthermore, Hezbollah, the powerful Iranian-backed Shiite militant group, is exploiting this point to galvanize support against Israel, adding another layer of complication to the strained relationship between the two nations.
On the other hand, Israel has become increasingly self-sufficient in energy since the discovery of vast offshore gas deposits such as Tamar, Leviathan and Karish. With reserves estimated at nearly 2 trillion cubic meters, Israel can now export its excesses to neighbors like Jordan and Egypt, improving diplomatic relations and providing stability to unstable regions. However, Jerusalem imposes rigid conditions before allowing resource extraction, insisting that proceeds go exclusively to the Palestinian Authority rather than Hamas, maintaining control over infrastructure development and demanding a deal. on prices. Such demands create friction with Palestinian authorities and undermine unification talks.
Finally, the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip has substantial offshore gas reserves – Marine 1 and Marine 2 – which could significantly improve living conditions if extracted. Unfortunately, years of internal feuding between Fath and Hamas, coupled with concerns over Israel’s security, prevent any real progress toward using these assets. Meanwhile, Egypt, eager to assert its dominance as an energy hub, is offering to take over the development of Gaza’s gas fields, hoping to connect them to its impressive network. While this plan has practical benefits, it raises questions about sovereignty and revenue distribution, fueling further debate and disharmony.
In conclusion, abundant natural gas reserves discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean offer immense opportunities but also present challenges for relations between countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. Countries in this region must balance resource exploitation, national pride and strategic partnerships. Only time will tell whether cooperation will prevail over conflict, enabling common prosperity, or perpetuate cycles of division and hostility.
