NewsGate Press Network

While there is no sign of an early end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has affected energy needs of Europe, Israel indicated that it is ready to provide some relief.

On Tuesday the 14th of June 2022 Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held talks with visiting Italian counterpart Mario Draghi to discuss a deal on exporting Israel’s natural gas to Europe.

Media outlets in Israel are reporting that both leaders discussed “the cooperation necessary to ensure that Israel’s natural gas can also be used in Europe,” which is “good news for Israel, Italy and Europe,” Bennett is reported to have said in a joint statement issued by the two sides.

The two leaders held a private meeting followed by an expanded meeting between Israeli and Italian officials with the participation of Israeli Energy Minister Karine Elharrar.

Bennett’s office said in a separate statement that the leaders talked about boosting Israeli gas exports to Europe in the wake of the crisis in Ukraine.

“They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Israel and Italy, the implications of the war in Ukraine, ways to deal with the global food crisis, and possibilities for cooperation in energy, especially in light of the potential for exporting natural gas to Europe via Egypt,” the statement said.