This fall Israelis need to apologize and say thank you to two people: former Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2015, the two arranged gas agreements that would ensure energy security and sane prices for Israel. In contrast, by 2022, Europe is in turmoil.
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It can be hard sometimes to be grateful for something that was avoided, but one look at Europe, where inflation and gas prices are skyrocketing, can make us understand how much we owe Steinitz and Netanyahu. For their perseverance, strategic understanding and determination. Had the two not withstand the pressure, the gas would have stayed in the sea.
Remember the personal, slanderous, and ugly campaigns that were held against them at the time? The media pressure and accusations that the two joined hands with gas tycoons? The campaign, run by civil organizations, political activists and lawmakers, was most venomous. Some of its leaders were also in charge of the Balfour and other anti-Netanyahu protests.
The Movement for Quality Government, a political organization disguised as a non-profit, called Steinitz "confused" and accused him of misleading the public and siding with the gas companies. There were petitions against the deal in the Supreme Court.
After the outline passed in the Knesset, Netanyahu said, When I want to achieve something I achieve it. Israel will now have gas. It is for the citizens of Israel, to lower the cost of living, for the state, and for energy security.
Steinitz, in turn, called it "a day of celebration" and criticized regulators for fighting instead of agreeing on such a deal years earlier.
Now, look at Europe. While a thermal unit costs five dollars in Israel and nine dollars in the United States, in Europe it ranges from 63 to 92 dollars. As part of preparations for the coming winter, public libraries and museums in Britain announced they will open their doors to residents who cannot afford to hear their homes. Bakeries shut down unable to pay the gas bill.
There are increases in prices in Israel as well, including food and electricity, but if we take just one look at Europe, we will understand the miracle that occurred here.
Israel has energy security, which should not be taken for granted, certainly not when one recalls the pressure that Netanyahu and Steinitz faced. While we should not expect the critics to repent, the citizens of Israel should remember the tsunami that was avoided and say thank you.
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