Globes: US special envoy: Gas fields must be developed quickly
Amos Hochstein wants to ensure that gas agreements with Jordan and Egypt are implemented
"We'll support any agreement that will satisfy both parties, the Israeli regulators and the companies, and facilitates developing the gas fields as rapidly as possible. I believe this is also in Israel's interest," Special Envoy for International Energy Affairs at the US Department of State Bureau Amos Hochstein said in a "Globes" interview. He added, "We have no intention of intervening in discussions concerning legal rights (of Noble Energy, A.B.)."
US involvement in development of the Israeli natural gas sector over the past two years has been mostly behind the scenes. For example, US mediation played a key role in the Jordanian government's decision to sign a letter of intent ahead of a strategic agreement to purchase gas from the Leviathan reservoir for the Jordanian National Electric Power Company (NEPCO). Signing the agreement is reportedly expected at the end of this month. US involvement became open following the decision of Antitrust Authority director general Prof. David Gilo to rescind a compromise agreement with Delek Group Ltd. and Noble Energy, and to declare the 2007 transaction in which those companies acquired the licenses in which the Leviathan reservoir was later discovered to be an agreement in restraint of trade. Gilo's decision is subject to a hearing scheduled at the end of the month.