Netanyahu Greenlights Israel�s Largest-Ever Energy Deal, Banking on Gas and Geopolitics

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday greenlit what he described as the largest energy deal in Israel�s history, pitching a sweeping natural gas export agreement with Egypt as both a fiscal windfall and a strategic lever for regional influence.

In a video statement alongside Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Netanyahu said the deal is valued at NIS 112 billion (approximately $34.7 billion), with an estimated NIS 58 billion ($18 billion) expected to flow directly into state coffers over time. According to Netanyahu, government revenues from the agreement will total roughly NIS 500 million ($155 million) in its first four years, rising sharply to about NIS 6 billion ($1.9 billion) annually by 2033.

Netanyahu said the agreement is a multi-front win that will bolster Israel�s fiscal position, strengthen national security, and cement the country�s role as a regional energy hub. He said the deal had been delayed since October while his office reviewed whether it met Israel�s �vital needs,� particularly in the security realm.

�I approved the deal only after ensuring it fully serves Israel�s essential interests,� Netanyahu said, adding that the agreement �greatly strengthens Israel�s position as a regional energy superpower and contributes to regional stability.�

The prime minister argued that the scale of the deal would also have a signaling effect, encouraging additional exploration for natural gas in Israeli waters. He stressed that participating companies are obligated to supply the domestic Israeli market at what he described as �a good price,� a nod to longstanding public concerns over energy costs.

Netanyahu leaned into symbolism as well, likening the agreement to �bringing another jug of oil to the nation of Israel,� an allusion to the Chanukah miracle.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen called the agreement �a historic moment for Israel� and noted that it is the largest export deal the country has ever signed. Natural gas, Cohen said, should be viewed not merely as a commodity but as �a strategic asset� with long-term geopolitical implications.

Netanyahu closed his remarks with a teaser, saying there would be �more pleasant surprises� ahead.