Egypt and Zionist Regime Gas Agreement: From Geographic Occupation to Economic Control
At a time when Gaza suffers from water and electricity shortages and global media circulate numerous images of starving children there, Egypt has signed an agreement with the Israeli regime described by energy experts and international media as historic and strategic. Under this deal, Egypt will purchase 130 billion cubic meters of gas from Israel by 2040 in exchange for $35 billion. Reuters highlighted this contract as ”the largest export agreement in Israel’s history,” emphasizing its meaning for utilizing resources from the Leviathan gas field.
This arrangement allows Netanyahu-amidst a deep political and economic crisis-to secure a stable and profitable export route with Cairo’s help. It also strengthens his position as an energy supplier in the Eastern Mediterranean. Al-Sharq Al-Awsat justified the deal by claiming it offers cheaper alternatives to LNG, enabling Egypt to save billions compared to import costs. However, this agreement increases Egypt’s dependency on Israel while economically empowering the occupying forces at Palestine’s expense-and depriving Palestinians of their maritime resources.
Analysts: This is not just a gas deal but economic occupation
An analytical report by The great Reporter stated that “this is not merely an economic pact; it opens the door to a broader system of resource plundering.” While Israel profits and Egypt expands its energy influence,Palestinians remain excluded from their land’s economic benefits. The agreement solidifies a regional energy order built on apartheid, blockade, and selective collaborations.” Dr.Yara Asad, an energy policy analyst at the Arab Center for Research & Policy Studies in Doha, described it as “a complete scandal,” condemning Arab regimes’ shifting priorities and cooperation with Israel as shameful.
al Jazeera quoted an anonymous Palestinian environmental rights activist based in Ramallah saying: “This isn’t just a gas contract-it reveals apartheid’s ugly face. Natural resources are extracted from occupied or disputed territories enriching Israel while excluding palestinians entirely.” Israeli economist Shir Hever-author of Privatizing Israeli Security-said: “This agreement represents not only military occupation but now economic occupation too. Palestinians are cut off from access to their waters and natural resources even as Israel signs multi-billion dollar deals with governments that claim to support Palestinian causes.”
Growing Egyptian dependence on Israel
A Financial Times special report explicitly noted that ”the new agreement deepens Egypt’s reliance on Israeli gas amid rising tensions,” projecting natural gas transfers increasing to 12 billion cubic meters by 2029 under this deal. It positions both countries within a framework of strategic economic cooperation.
Fadel Ibrahim, an expert analyst on Egyptian political-economic issues said: “This signals a chronic dangerous condition for Egypt-which onc appeared poised as an emerging energy hub-now trapped in perilous dependency with narrowing national security options due to reliance on Israeli gas.” In 2018 President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi promised national self-sufficiency aiming for major exports but now that dream has been replaced by imports and growing dependence.
Ignoring Lebanon’s and Syria’s legitimate gas rights
A critical aspect highlighting Israeli injustice in Eastern Mediterranean resource exploitation is its blatant disregard for Lebanon’s and Syria’s rights. Legal-technical complexities over offshore reserves require gradual resolution through courts or competent bodies; though Israel rushed commercial advancement across Leviathan, Tamar, Karish fields securing export routes via agreements with Cyprus,Egypt,and LNG facilities-to quickly monetize these assets.
Despite Lebanon’sand Syria’s clearly established entitlements under maritime laws relating tomarine bordersandresource utilization,the past decade witnessed Israel exploiting political turmoilin Beirutand Damascusto usurp control.international analysts pointing out these infringements frequently enough confront baseless excusesfromIsraeli officials claiming disputes over maritime border definitions,the weaknessof negotiationsinSyria,Lebanon’s domestic divisions,and Hezbollah’s role block resolutions.Yet partners like Cyprus,Egypt,andthe US collaborated readilywithIsraelin expropriatingthese reserves.
The Guardian recently observed how unilateral aggressive actions turned “Eastern Mediterranean Gas”fromanenergy-geological issue into apolitical-security battle.” Exploiting Palestine,Lebanon,and Syria’sexceptionalcircumstances allowedIsrael,to convert energysources into massive revenue streamsunder its occupation-driven,totalitarian approach.”
