520 |
|
|
|b The discovery of natural gas in Israel constituted a major shift in its geostrategic capabilities. As a result, Israel immediately struck unreliable deals with Egypt and Jordan, which imports 93% of its energy requirements though it has enough resources. On the other hand, the US backs Israel in setting the energy diplomacy objectives, as is the case in paving the way for the Jordanian government to hold a legal agreement with an American company, rather than Israel, to reduce the volume of Jordanian public rejection. In September 2016, Jordan signed an agreement to import gas from Israel through Noble Energy, according to which it will pay at least $10 billion over 15 years. What is dangerous, in some leaks, is that if the deal is cancelled, Jordan shall be punished by paying $1.5 billion. It is noteworthy that the Jordanian government signed deals with international companies like Shell, Enefit and APCO to exploit oil shale as an energy source, found in huge reserve quantities. In addition, hundreds of alternative clean energy projects based on solar and wind energy to produce electricity have emerged. However, the gas agreement negatively affects the Jordan’s economy and strategic ability to invest its sovereign natural resources. With reference to the strategic importance for Israel, building the gas pipeline through Jordan is likely to integrate Israel in the region by exporting gas to other countries. Israel may use the Jordanian pipeline to boost partnership with Arab and other regional states. It may hold future ties which raise its regional power and threatens pan-Arab security and economy, including those of Jordan. Since the signing of the agreement in September 2016, Jordan’s energy situation has significantly improved, in spite of the rising opposing public protests due to the alternative solutions. On the ground, upon pressure from the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Omar Al-Razzaz announced that the government would review all the energy agreements. Nevertheless, it does not seem to have any intention to withdraw. Thus, the deal continues to be valid in light of the legal and economic restrictions, according to Jordanian officials, and its future depends on a genuine political will to cancel it and bear the consequences.
|