The land of milk… and gas?! Israel is on the fast track to becoming an energy empire, a realization of Biblical blessings.
Thirty years ago the CEO of Zion Oil & Gas was certain he would find oil in Israel. He was not successful in his endeavors, but 26 years later, Noble Energy discovered the Leviathan natural gas field, making Israel a natural gas empire.
Thirty-five trillion cubic feet of gas have been found in Israeli waters, worth some $500 billion. This crucial discovery enables Israel to become energy-independent for the first time in history, and also has turned Israel into a major player in the international energy-exporting market. It is hard to overstate how important the discovery of natural gas in the Mediterranean has been for Israel, seekingalpha.com writes. The Leviathan gas field is the largest discovered natural gas repository of this century.
Israel has already signed an agreement with Jordan, according to which Israel will become the main supplier of energy to Jordan in the next 15 years at a total sum of $15 billion. Contracts with other neighboring countries are being examined.
“There are now extraordinary opportunities for Israel based on energy policy, both economically and diplomatically,” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nachshon told Bloomberg. “This is a real game-changer of common interests and benefits for many actors in the region. It could also bring about better relations with Turkey and with other regional actors with whom Israel is not yet in close contact.”
Israel is hoping to reshape its foreign policy through the sale of natural gas. Israel’s gas bonanza “is a huge strategic advantage that allows us to enjoy both political and economic fruits,” Israeli Energy Minister Silvan Shalom said in an interview to Bloomberg. “We are much more accepted in the world as a result of us finding natural gas.”
Manifestation of Biblical Blessings
This magnificent discovery brings to mind the Godly blessings bestowed upon the Jewish Nation, as Moshe blessed them:
“And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him drip his foot in oil.” (Deuteronomy 33:24).
May God’s bountiful blessings continue to rain down on Israel!
Author: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel
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