Arab-Israeli Gas Diplomacy: Interdependence and a Path Toward Peace?

Abstract

Since the early 2000s, major natural gas discoveries in the Levant Basin—the Tamar and Leviathan fields in Israel, and Zohr in Egypt—have substantially changed the eastern Mediterranean's energy landscape. While the growing interdependence among regional countries has promised integration and “economic peace,” it has not prevented wars between Israel and both Gaza and Lebanon. This article examines gas diplomacy between Israel and its Arab neighbors: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Gaza. It argues that we must recognize the limits of gas diplomacy, but its significance should not be overlooked or underestimated. While armed conflict persists, interdependence has arguably prevented escalation in some cases and contributed to diplomatic efforts, as well. The article further shows that nuclear power, projected to meet a large share of the region's growing demand for electricity and water desalination, will require cooperation among Israeli and Arab governments.