Full Breakdown
Israel's Expanding Energy Influence in the Middle East
3/21/2026, 9:22:50 PM
The Central Role of Israeli Gas in Regional Energy Dynamics
The ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran has underscored Israel's growing influence over the energy resources of its Arab neighbors, particularly in the context of gas exports. Reports indicate that during the recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran, both Jordan and Egypt halted gas supplies to Syria, highlighting a significant dependency on Israeli gas. This dependency is further complicated by the fact that Egypt, despite being a gas producer, has seen its local production decline, leading to increased imports from Israel.
In January 2024, Egypt began supplying 2.8 million cubic meters of gas daily to Syria via the Arab Gas Pipeline, which connects Egypt to Jordan and then to Syria and Lebanon. Jordan's National Electric Power Company also signed a deal to supply 4 million cubic meters of gas daily to Syria. However, the source of this gas has raised questions, with conflicting reports suggesting it may originate from liquefied natural gas (LNG) intended for Egypt, which is regasified in Jordan before being sent north.
The Interconnected Nature of Regional Gas Supply
The Arab Gas Pipeline, once a symbol of Arab cooperation, has become a conduit for Israeli gas, with the Leviathan gas field off the coast of Haifa serving as a critical supply source. When Israel temporarily halted production from the Leviathan field, gas supplies to both Jordan and Egypt were immediately disrupted, demonstrating the fragility of this interconnected energy network. This disruption forced Jordan and Egypt to activate emergency plans, including importing LNG from global markets.
Despite the availability of alternative LNG routes, the immediate cessation of gas supplies to Syria raises questions about the motivations behind these decisions. The reliance on Israeli gas has positioned Israel at the center of the regional energy landscape, granting it significant political leverage over its neighbors.
Criticism of Energy Dependency
Critics argue that the integration of Syria and Lebanon into a regional energy network dominated by Israel poses risks of political coercion and economic dependency. The infrastructure that supports energy supply is seen as a tool for Israel to exert control, especially given its history of using energy resources as leverage during conflicts. The urgency for electricity in Syria and Lebanon may lead political leaders to overlook the implications of such dependency, potentially compromising their sovereignty.
The Path Forward for Syria and Lebanon
Syria and Lebanon possess substantial untapped energy reserves, with estimates suggesting that Syria has 280 billion cubic meters of onshore gas and Lebanon could have up to 700 billion cubic meters offshore. However, developing these resources will require significant investment and political will to resist external pressures, particularly from Israel and the United States. While the allure of immediate economic security through Israeli gas may be tempting, critics warn that such a path could ultimately lead to greater vulnerability and loss of autonomy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The material reality, therefore, appears to contradict official narratives: the gas reaching Syria and, in the future, Lebanon, is, in practical terms, Israeli gas.” — Author, Al Jazeera
- “Once embedded, disengaging from such systems becomes extraordinarily difficult, because they govern the essentials of everyday life: electricity, water and energy.” — Author, Al Jazeera
The evolving energy landscape in the Middle East, particularly the role of Israeli gas, is reshaping regional dynamics and raising critical questions about dependency, sovereignty, and the future of energy cooperation among Arab states.
