The sabotage occurred in northern Sinai, a region characterized by the massive presence of al-Qaeda operatives.
Photo: Tal Cohen
Unidentified militants blew up the gas pipeline connecting Israel to Egypt tonight (al-Jazeera). The blast occurred in the northern Sinai Peninsula, an area with a large presence of al-Qaeda operatives.
The Al-Arabia network reported that Egyptian officials confirmed that militants had arrived on a 4-by-4 vehicle, placed a powerful charge in a section of Bir-Abid area in northeastern Sinai, and blew the pipe.
The damaged pipe is used to transport gas from Israel to Egypt. In the past it has been the target of repeated injuries, but in recent years no attempts have been made to harm it. The partnership between Drilling Fuel and Noble Energy is currently pumping gas into the pipeline, after last year's agreement between Israel and Egypt signed a $ 15 billion gas supply agreement over ten years.
In total, the partnership is expected to inject approximately 64 billion meters of gas into Egypt, from the Tamar reservoir and the whale that is off the coast of Israel.
Last month, on January 15, gas transportation from Israel to Egypt began when energy minister Yuval Steinitz and his Egyptian counterpart Tarek Al Mula announced the start of natural gas flow from Israel to Egypt. The two announced the launch of the stream after meeting ahead of the Middle East Gas Forum in Cairo.
Yuval Steinitz, Tarek Al Mula
In a statement released by the two, they stated that the start of gas flow is "an important development", adding that it "will serve the interests of both parties". It should be noted that gas flow will allow Israel to export some of the gas it supplies to Egypt, as well, to Europe, which will serve the two-country economy.
The transfer of gas began a week after the gas recirculation process was completed in the Middle Whale Reservoir, making the rig active. "We are proud to announce the completion of the Whale Project run and the full production start of the reservoir for our customers in Israel and abroad," said a Whale Partnership, which added: The Israeli will put billions into the state coffers. "