Jordan and Israel Sign Gas Agreement
In a historic move, Jordan and Israel have signed a gas agreement that will see the two countries working together to develop offshore gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean. The agreement, which was signed in Amman in January 2020, marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
The agreement stipulates that Israel`s Leviathan gas field will supply Jordan with up to 300 million cubic feet of natural gas per day for a period of 15 years. The gas will be transported through a pipeline that will be constructed by the National Electric Power Company of Jordan.
For Jordan, this agreement is a welcome development as the country continues to grapple with a shortage of energy resources. The country has been hit hard by the closure of its main source of natural gas, the Arab Gas Pipeline, which runs from Egypt to Jordan via Syria. The pipeline has suffered numerous attacks in recent years, leaving Jordan struggling to meet its energy needs.
The agreement with Israel will provide Jordan with a reliable and affordable source of energy, which will help to ease the country`s energy crisis. In addition, the deal will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in both countries.
For Israel, the agreement represents a significant achievement in its efforts to develop its offshore gas reserves. The Leviathan gas field, which was discovered in 2010, is one of the largest offshore gas fields in the world. The agreement with Jordan will allow Israel to tap into new markets, providing a boost to its economy.
The agreement has been welcomed by both sides, with Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz describing it as “a historic day for the State of Israel.” Jordanian Energy Minister Hala Zawati also praised the deal, noting that it would help to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Despite the positive developments, the agreement has not been without controversy. Some Jordanians have raised concerns about the country`s increasing dependence on Israel for its energy needs. There have also been concerns about the environmental impact of the pipeline, which will run through the Red Sea.
However, the overall response to the agreement has been positive, with many seeing it as a positive step towards greater regional cooperation and economic development. As both countries work together to develop their offshore gas reserves, the hope is that these developments will pave the way for greater cooperation on other issues, including water management, security, and tourism.