A decision worth billions?Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a discussion in his office on Israel's natural gas export policy on Sunday. Energy Minister Yisrael Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, Prime Minister's Office Director General Yossi Shelly and National Economic Council head Avi Simhon also participated in the discussion.
The discussion comes against the backdrop of Katz's statements at the Leviathan rig that he intends to increase natural gas exports from Israel. "My job is to ensure that the supply of natural gas, first of all to the citizens of Israel, remains robust for decades to come," the minister said during a visit to Israel's largest reservoir marking the tenth anniversary of the country's natural gas economy. Katz intends to increase exports, but the Finance Ministry is currently opposed, much to the minister's dismay.
Protest against Minister Yisrael Katz at an event in Tel Aviv || Cinematography: Ryan Gelbart
Netanyahu's goal was to establish a team to resolve the dispute between the ministries of finance and energy regarding the expansion of gas exports from Israel, mainly to Egypt. Energy Minister Yisrael Katz is in favor of expanding exports, while senior Finance Ministry officials oppose it, on the grounds that there will not be enough reserves left for the Israeli public in the long term. Netanyahu is setting up a team, but says the decision is in the hands of the energy minister.
Minister Katz presented a review of the policy he leads in his ministry on natural gas. The survey included an up-to-date picture of natural gas reserves for the domestic economy, volumes of natural gas exports, and professional forecasts on ways to meet the local economy's demand for natural gas in the next 25 years. They also discussed the benefits of increasing reservoir development and the political potential in exporting gas and connecting them to neighboring countries, Mediterranean countries and even European countries. In addition, Minister Katz presented to the Prime Minister the physical alternatives for gas exports that are on the agenda, some as initial ideas and some as work processes that are in the process of preparation.
"Quarrel Reservoir", Leviathan, photo: Albatross
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated at the conclusion of the discussion that a combined team of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructures, the Ministry of Finance and the National Economic Council would be established to formulate a possible response plan that would provide a horizon for companies and certainty for the local economy.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated that the decision to grant the export approval is under the authority of Minister Katz, in accordance with the relevant government decisions, and will be made in cooperation and coordination and according to professional considerations only, with the aim of ensuring the energy security of the State of Israel and fighting the cost of living, while taking advantage of the many political benefits.
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