PM Netanyahu: Israel to send an envoy for talks in Egypt
Next week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will send an envoy to Egypt to negotiate on the freezing of the gas talks between the two countries that Egypt imposed this week.
The prime minister's remark was made in the context of a 2 hour and 20 minute session that included a Q&A session of Members of the Knesset.
In his speech to the nation, Mr. Netanyahu made an obligatory appearance, in his capacity as Economy Minister caretaker, in front of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee in its hearings on the natural gas regulatory framework in Israel. The prime minister barely answered any questions he was asked directly, and mostly responded to them in broad terms, without going into details other than the envoy being sent to Egypt.
Mr. Netanyahu opened the session by describing the poor energy security of the country and said that the only way to improve it is by accepting the framework. He referred in length to security issues and said that in 2013 the government had decided to invest huge sums of money, NIS 3 billion ($750 million) in order to protect the gas fields. "That demonstrates how important it is. If security of the gas fields is under threat, the country might collapse," he said.
He also highlighted the fact that only one gas rig, Tamar, supplies all the gas needed to generate 60% of the electricity in the country. In order to eliminate that risk and enhance the system's redundancy, he argued it is of the utmost importance to have at least another gas rig, rather than having more pipelines to the shore from the single operating rig.
"From a national security perspective it is necessary to develop the Leviathan gas field as fast as possible, adding a new pipeline to the Israeli shore and developing cooperation with Jordan," the prime minister said.
When referring to the international arena, Mr. Netanyahu said that a country which exports "essential things" is much stronger than countries that do not. "Increasing Israel's strength is essential [for the country]. The stronger you are in either fighting terror or fighting radical Islam, the more [people] are asking for you. Energy strength means less international intervention," said Mr. Netanyahu, alluding to various boycotts against Israel, the "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions" movement, and even to international mediators who try, unsuccessfully so far, to mediate between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
As for Egypt, he said that gas negotiations were lengthy and next week he will send an envoy for further talks. The prime minister added that there had been contact with Turkey concerning gas exports, either to the Turkish market or for re-export to other European countries.
Next month, Mr. Netanyahu said, he is going to have a meeting with the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras. While this announcement had already been made earlier, it is the first confirmation that the three heads of states will attend the meeting, which will likely be dedicated to discussing energy and security matters.
In his conclusion, the prime minister presented three options for further actions: entering a litigation process with the energy companies that would be lengthy and whose outcome is doubtful; a second option imposing cost controls on natural gas that may dampen the prospects for new investment; and the third and best option of approving the regulatory framework, which he said would eliminate the monopoly and open up the market to new players.
Ya'acov Zalel