Export

Introduction

In addition to the growing importance of natural gas for the domestic energy mix, Israel is actively working in order to export natural gas to neighboring countries, strengthening the regional diversity of supply and contributing to Israel's status as an important player in the region. Government policy on the export of natural gas was first defined in 2012-2013 and updated periodically since. For more information see the Policy & Government Decisions section of this website.

It is estimated that in 2022, total exports of natural gas will approach 10 BCM, generating revenues exceeding NIS 1.5 billion ($440 million) for the Israeli government.

Export Routes

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Israeli gas is currently exported to Egypt and Jordan from the Tamar and Leviathan fields through three pipelines: one in the north of Israel, connecting to the Arab Gas Pipeline in Jordan; another connecting directly to Jordanian industrial facilities on the eastern side of the Dead Sea; and the last being the EMG pipeline connecting to the Egyptian transmission system. Total export capacity for these three pipelines is projected to reach around 15 BCM in 2023. Additional projects could bring Israel's total physical export capacity to 25-30 BCM/y by the end of the decade, though actual exports will be constrained by availability of reserves and government policy.

Existing Export Agreements

​Over the past few years, agreements have been signed for the export of 133 BCM of Israeli gas to Egypt and Jordan:

  • 60 BCM from Leviathan to Egypt (Blue Ocean Energy)
  • 25 BCM from Tamar to Egypt (Blue Ocean Energy)
  • 45 BCM from Leviathan to Jordan (NEPCO)
  • 3 BCM from Tamar to the Jordanian Dead Sea industrial facilities

Additional export agreements are under consideration.


Future Developments

​For new discoveries, it is the intention of the Ministry to reduce both the obligation to connect every gas field to the domestic market, and the amount of gas to be supplied to the domestic market from each field.


The Ministry is actively working to develop new possibilities for the export of natural gas, including the proposed EastMed pipeline to Cyprus and Greece, direct pipelines to liquefaction facilities in Egypt, and the possibility of using FLNG platforms. In June 2022, an MOU was signed that allows for the export of Israeli gas to the European Union through Egypt, in line with currenty European policy to diversify its gas supply.