Israel’s Halt on $35 Billion Gas Deal Exposes Fragile U.S. Regional Influence

In a striking demonstration of national sovereignty, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has refused to sign a monumental $35 billion natural gas agreement with Egypt, a move that led to the abrupt cancellation of a planned visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This standoff reveals underlying tensions between Israel’s pursuit of fair economic terms and Washington’s push for regional energy collaboration. Why Is Israel Standing Firm Against U.S. Pressure? The proposed deal, touted as the largest gas export agreement in Israel's history, involves exporting natural gas from the Leviathan field—an asset situated securely within Israeli territorial waters—to Egypt. Yet,...