Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen recently met with U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt in Jerusalem to discuss deepening energy cooperation between the United States, Israel, and Europe. The meeting placed special focus on advancing multilateral infrastructure projects that could play a transformative role in enhancing global energy security and diversification.
At the heart of the discussions was the proposed Gulf-to-Mediterranean pipeline, a visionary project that would connect the Arabian Gulf region to the Eastern Mediterranean via Israel. The proposed corridor aims to facilitate the transport of crude oil and natural gas, improving supply routes to Europe and aligning with U.S. strategic goals of reducing European dependence on Russian energy.
Minister Cohen highlighted Israel’s potential to become a vital regional energy hub, leveraging its existing infrastructure, geostrategic location, and growing natural gas production. “Israel is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between the energy-rich Gulf countries and the energy-hungry markets of Europe. With the support of our American allies, we are looking to turn that potential into reality,” Cohen said.
The talks also covered strengthening trilateral partnerships between the U.S., Israel, and the European Union. These include expanding the EuroAsia Interconnector—a subsea electricity cable linking Israel, Cyprus, and Greece—and exploring opportunities for hydrogen cooperation as Europe eyes a greener future.
Assistant Secretary Pyatt, whose visit signals continued U.S. interest in fostering regional energy integration, expressed the Biden administration’s support for initiatives that promote stability, sustainability, and strategic independence. “The U.S. strongly supports Israel’s role in enhancing energy security and diversification for our European partners. Infrastructure that connects reliable energy producers to global markets is critical for the world’s future,” Pyatt said.
Energy diplomacy has taken on new urgency amid global supply disruptions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing low-carbon technologies and diversifying energy sources through the deployment of natural gas, renewables, and next-generation nuclear technologies.
Israel has already begun working on infrastructure upgrades, including expansion of its Ashkelon-Eilat pipeline system, and is holding exploratory talks with countries in the Gulf about collaborative energy initiatives. Minister Cohen noted that interest in Israeli infrastructure has surged in recent months, particularly following the Abraham Accords and the growing acceptance of Israel in the region.
The Israeli Ministry of Energy confirmed it will soon host a trilateral energy forum with U.S. and EU counterparts to explore technical and financial aspects of joint pipeline and power transmission projects. A special task force is also being established to examine regulatory alignment and investment frameworks for large-scale energy infrastructure involving multiple jurisdictions.
As global energy needs evolve, this high-level meeting signals that Israel, with U.S. backing, is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of regional and transcontinental energy connectivity.