Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline

[George K]

"Never underestimate...."

-44

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/18232/israel-europe-gas-pipeline

The Biden administration has abruptly withdrawn American support for the Eastern Mediterranean (EastMed) pipeline, a project aimed at shipping natural gas from Israel to European markets. The White House said the project was antithetical to its "climate goals."

In reaching its decision, which effectively kills EastMed, the White House appears to have caved to pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has vociferously opposed the underwater pipeline because it would bypass Turkey.

Biden's decision — reportedly coordinated with Turkey but reached without consulting Israel, Greece or Cyprus, the main countries involved in the project — undercuts three of the strongest American allies in the Mediterranean region.

The White House could not have chosen a less opportune moment to announce its decision. With tensions rising between Russia and Ukraine, Europe (which relies on Russia for approximately one-third of its natural gas supplies) is searching for alternative sources of gas to reduce its overreliance on Moscow.

The Biden administration's decision also smacks of hypocrisy. The White House claims that it wants the Mediterranean region to transition to "clean energy," but it recently announced its support for the Russia-backed Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would double shipments of Russian natural gas to Germany.

EastMed's cancellation — variously described as a "disastrous decision," a "strategic mistake" and an act of "appeasement" of Erdoğan — represents a major geopolitical victory for the Turkish strongman. Analysts worry that he will be emboldened to continue escalating tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean in his quest to expand Turkish control over energy supply routes to Europe.

[89th]

How much natural gas does Israel produce? For a small country they sure do a lot!

[89th]

@89th said in Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline:

ow much natural gas does Israel produce?

Guess I could've Reddit'd Googled: https://www.worldometers.info/gas/israel-natural-gas/

[George K]

How, exactly, is it that the United States can "kill" a pipeline between other nations, other than using economic leverage?

[89th]

@george-k said in Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline:

How, exactly, is it that the United States can "kill" a pipeline between other nations, other than using economic leverage?

Basically. The USA seems to fund (and police) the rest of the world. I mean, when will countries like Bolivia or Bhutan step up already?

[LuFins Dad]

@george-k said in Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline:

How, exactly, is it that the United States can "kill" a pipeline between other nations, other than using economic leverage?

That was my immediate question. Were we funding it? As for the rest, idiots..

[Mik]

So they would rather Europe use more coal, which is twice the emissions?

[George K]

@mik said in Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline:

So they would rather Europe use more coal, which is twice the emissions?

And France is building (at least) 6 nuclear power plants while Germany dismantles theirs.

[LuFins Dad]

@george-k said in Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline:

@mik said in Biden Administration Kills Israel-to-Europe Gas Pipeline:

So they would rather Europe use more coal, which is twice the emissions?

And France is building (at least) 6 nuclear power plants while Germany dismantles theirs.

And who cares? It’s their business, not ours…