Israel to continue gas exports to Egypt and Jordan despite Iran threats

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 on March 29 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.

Leviathan, Karish and Tamar are Israel’s largest and most productive undersea gas fields. The country also extracts natural gas from smaller fields such as Aphrodite, shared with Cyprus, and Sidon, shared with Lebanon. Leviathan is the most productive field. Its production is intended for export to Egypt and Jordan. Karish and Tamar are intended almost exclusively for the Israeli market.

According to Energy Ministry estimates, around 80% of Jordan’s electricity is generated by Israeli gas. Egypt imports 15% to 20% of its natural gas consumption from Israel. In 2023, Israel produced 24.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas. In 2024, production rose to 27.1 bcm. In December, Israel and Egypt concluded a new gas export agreement. The $35 billion deal, negotiated over two years, commits Egypt to purchase up to 130 bcm of Israeli gas, with sales potentially continuing until 2040.