A sharp dispute has erupted between Israel and the Trump administration over the gas deal reached between the Leviathan consortium and Egypt. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen chose to delay his signature on the deal, citing Egypt's violations of the peace treaty with Israel.
In response, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright called off his his planned visit to Israel, which had been scheduled as part of efforts to advance the $35 billion agreement.
The American energy giant Chevron, a key partner in the Leviathan gas field, has in recent weeks exerted heavy pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and on Cohen to finalize the ratification. However, the energy minister, who had been expecting Wright's visit, decided to postpone it for now due to several unresolved issues that require further clarification between Jerusalem and Cairo.
In recent days, the US administration has mounted significant pressure on senior Israeli officials, including Cohen and the prime minister, to approve the gas export deal to Egypt.
Cohen, for his part, insisted that gas prices for the Israeli market remain competitive. As negotiations have yet to be concluded, he refused to authorize exports until that matter is settled. At the same time, efforts have been underway to resolve the diplomatic disputes between Israel and Egypt.
