Billionaire oilman J. Paul Getty was at one time the richest man in America and possibly in the world. How did he reach such spectacular financial heights? He noted, “Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.” Israel is a nation of early risers and hard workers. However, they strayed from Getty’s wisdom in one respect. Rather than striking oil, Israel struck natural gas. Despite this single discrepancy, Israel is now experiencing a tremendous economic and energy boon that is sure to put Getty’s fortune to shame.

On December 16, Israel signed a permit that will allow natural gas to begin flowing to Egypt. This is in fulfillment of a deal the two nations agreed upon last year that will send 64 billion cubic meters of gas over the next ten years in exchange for $15 billion.[1] Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz called the signing a “historic landmark,” comparing its significance to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty of 1979.[2] He went on to say, “The natural gas revolution turns us into an energy power and affords us not just huge income for the country but also a dramatic decrease in air pollution.”[3]

This financially lucrative deal with Egypt was made possible by the discovery in 2010 of the enormous Leviathan gas field in the Mediterranean Sea. Located seventy-seven miles off the coast of Haifa, Leviathan is estimated to contain 22 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and a possible half million barrels of oil.[4] Not only has Israel been blessed with this treasure trove, they also have the already-producing Tamar field and the smaller Karish and Tanin fields which won’t come online until 2021.[5] Together, they don’t just promise Israel energy independence, but they will soon place the nation among the world’s leading energy exporters.

It may be true that money talks, but natural gas makes people want to talk to you. Israel already has export deals with Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. Additionally, relations with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and other Arab nations are growing much warmer. While there are certainly other factors that contribute to these fledgling friendships, such as a slow negative attitude shift of various Arab governments toward the Palestinians, Israel entering the circle of energy producers helps.

Parts of Europe are also moving away from their historic hostility toward Israel. Currently the primary source of gas for the European Union is Russia. With the unpredictable leadership in Moscow, many European countries have been looking for a chance to remove themselves from under Putin’s energy thumb. Israel’s gas fields could be just what’s needed. Rather than standing in the way of Israel’s plans to move its gas, the EU is actively encouraging underwater pipelines and other means of delivery through the Mediterranean. Further evidence of changing attitudes was demonstrated in the United Nations on December 3 when an annual resolution supporting a pro-Palestinian UN agency found eleven new European “no” votes. Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Netherlands, Romania, and Slovakia had traditionally abstained from the vote.[6] The shift in their stance is not difficult to understand when one looks at a map and sees the proximity of most of these countries to Russia.

God has provided Israel with a wonderful formula for success—rise early, work hard, and export gas. By following this plan, the nation will not only experience great financial gain, but its list of international friends will continue to grow. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to imagine Russia not noticing the impact that Israel’s energy growth will have on their own bottom line. It’s just as ludicrous to believe that Vladimir Putin will let this potential economic downturn remain unaddressed. We must pray that even as God blesses Israel, he will also protect the nation from retaliation by Russia or any other nation that sees Israel’s gain as their loss.

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[1] Associated Press, “Israel Signs Gas Deal with Egypt, Becomes Major Energy Exporter,” Ynetnews, December 16, 2019, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1kmpfBAS.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Shoshanna Solomon, “Israel to Start Pumping Gas from Leviathan, Making Country an Energy Powerhouse,” The Times of Israel, December 16, 2019, www.timesofisrael.com/start-of-leviathan-natural-gas-production-seen-as-major-milestone-for-israel/.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Raphael Ahren, “In Surprise Change, 13 Countries Vote against Pro-Palestine UN Resolution.” The Times of Israel, December 4, 2019, www.timesofisrael.com/in-surprise-change-13-countries-vote-against-pro-palestine-un-resolution/.