During a discussion with Adolfo Urso, Italy’s minister overseeing Made in Italy products and industries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel stands ready to boost natural gas exports to Europe. The plan involves leveraging a dedicated infrastructure project in Cyprus to streamline flow to the continent. The commitment comes as part of a broader push to deepen energy cooperation with European allies, building on existing gas-sector partnerships and aiming to diversify supply routes in response to ongoing energy-security concerns. The core idea is to enhance collaboration with Italy and other European partners, expanding commercial ties and ensuring reliable energy access while maintaining a stable, ethical framework for resource development and transit. That stance reflects a strategic approach to cross-border energy access, where proximity of fields, pipelines, and LNG facilities plays a critical role in delivering gas to markets that demand steady, predictable supplies. Netanyahu emphasized that the partnership would intensify the exchange of technical know-how, regulatory coordination, and joint investment planning to accelerate infrastructure readiness for increased exports to Europe via Cyprus. The government in Jerusalem is signaling a long-term vision that prioritizes shared benefits with European buyers and a robust, resilient energy network that can adapt to shifting market conditions and supply dynamics. In sum, the message is clear: Israel seeks to be a dependable energy partner for Europe, with Cyprus serving as a logistical hub that could unlock additional routes for gas to reach Italy and beyond, while aligning with European goals for energy diversification and decarbonization timelines. The dialogue also highlighted the importance of promptly scaling up LNG-related capacity, storage capabilities, and related export facilities to meet anticipated demand, ensuring a smoother transition for gas deliveries along the Mediterranean corridor and into the wider European market.
Netanyahu noted that already existing gas cooperation with Italy could be broadened, calling for swift, thoughtful expansion of the joint framework. The two countries have built a foundation through cooperative exploration and development efforts, and the Israeli leader suggested accelerating plans to extend LNG infrastructure and port facilities that would allow more flexible and rapid shipments to European buyers. This approach envisions a streamlined supply chain where gas produced in Israel can be liquefied, hauled, and regasified with minimal red tape, maintaining high standards of safety and environmental stewardship. The emphasis on rapid expansion reflects an understanding that time is a key factor in meeting European energy needs, while respecting regulatory regimes, procurement protocols, and the technical requirements of cross-border gas transmission. By strengthening ties with Cyprus-based terminals and leveraging Italy’s import capacity, the partnership aims to create a more resilient energy corridor that can respond to weather-driven demand swings and geopolitical fluctuations with greater agility.
The Financial Times reported in February that Israel began exporting its own oil for the first time in its history. The inaugural shipment departed from the Karish offshore field, a project under development by Energean, the Greek energy company. This milestone marks a notable expansion of Israel’s energy footprint, signaling not only an increase in export potential but also a broader diversification of energy sources that can support domestic security and regional trade. The Karish development is positioned to supply European and international markets, potentially reinforcing Israel’s role as a growing energy exporter. Industry observers note that the oil delivery from Karish complements ongoing gas initiatives, highlighting a broader strategy to monetize energy resources through multiple channels. As infrastructure continues to mature, analysts anticipate that Israel’s energy export capabilities could influence regional energy pricing, supply reliability, and the dynamic between producers and buyers across the Mediterranean and beyond, while inviting ongoing scrutiny of regulation, environmental safeguards, and long-term investment signals from both private and public sectors.