In First, Arab Countries Admit Israel Into a Regional Alliance. But There Is a Price
Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, which counts Egypt, Jordan and Palestinian Authority as members, could serve as level to pressure Israel and interfere with domestic energy development
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Jan 20, 2019
The announcement this week that many of the countries of the East Mediterranean, including Israel, agreed to set up a forum to create a regional gas market is a landmark development for Israel. It not only creates a framework for developing the region’s energy, but it marks the first time Israel has been admitted to a regional grouping that will give it official status in the Arab world.
The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, announced on Monday after a meeting in Cairo, aims to “create a regional gas market that serves the interests of its members by ensuring supply and demand, optimizing resource development, rationalizing the cost of infrastructure, offering competitive prices and improving trade relations, among other goals,” Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry announced.
