Israel-Turkey energy cooperation begins as mutual interests bring countries closer

Israel, Turkey starts energy negotiations after the beginning of “normalization process” and matching interests bring Israel and Turkey together
sraeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz and Turkish Energy Minister Berat Albayrak
Sunday, 16 October 2016 06:24

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz was holding talks with Turkish Energy Minister Berat Albayrak in Turkey on Thursday. It was the first ministerial-level visit from Israel in six years. Before the 2010 crisis started with Gaza flotilla raid, Turkey and Israel were close allies, as Turkey is a NATO member and had close relations with U.S. as well.   

One of the most important elements of “normalisation process” between Israel and Turkey is energy, as Turkey wants to make a deal for offshore natural gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.  Even though there are some differences between Israel and Turkey, as Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan supports Hamas, both countries still have incentives for an energy deal.

‘TURKEY IS THE PROFITABLE OPTION’

Before the normalisation of relations between Turkey and Israel, Israel was negotiating with Greece and Cyprus for a natural gas pipeline plan that does not involve Turkey. This “Energy Triangle” was also getting support from U.S., as U.S. company Noble Energy will be extracting the natural gas. But Israeli Energy Minister Steinitz was insisting that the profitable option would not be a pipeline through Greece but through Turkey and consequently leaving the door open for Turkish option.

After Israel apologised for the raid, paid Turkey 20 million dollars for compensation and agreed to “ease” the blocked on the Gaza, energy deal between Turkey and Israel became possible. As Israel is already negotiating with other relevant countries; Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, Turkey would be the only obstacle for extracting natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea since Cyprus dispute involving Turkey is still ongoing.

The talks between Steinitz and Albayrak involved regional issues as well, and Israel and Turkey agreed on economic cooperation.

MATCHING INTERESTS IN SYRIA

Turkish-Israel regional cooperation is also possible due to mutual interests. Turkey and Israel have matching interests in Syria, both countries are against the Syrian government and support so-called “rebels”. Israeli-occupied Golan Heights contain energy resources and Israel uses ongoing Syrian war to pursue its interests. On the other hand, Russia supports Syrian government and does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights.

TRADE BETWEEN TURKEY AND ISRAEL

Bilateral trade between Israel and Turkey increased even after the diplomatic relations between two countries were frozen. Between 2011-2015, Turkish exports to Israel rose 13 percent and the trade volume was around 4 billion. But bilateral trade is expected to increase after “normalisation."