Russia-Ukraine war: Israel to help Europe with gas, announces PM Naftali Bennett

Israel is set to help Europe in obtaining gas from sources or than Russia after Moscow began its offensive in Ukraine. development has been announced by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during his joint statement with Italian counterpart Mario Draghi, ANSA reported. After his meeting with Draghi in Jerusalem, Bennett said that Israel will help Europe in producing natural gas.

In his statement, Mario Draghi said that Italy will continue to work for a ceasefire at earliest. He stressed that peace negotiations should be based on terms that will be acceptable to Ukraine. He highlighted that Italy will continue to support Ukraine and its intention of becoming part of Europe. Italian PM Mario Draghi said that he discussed Russia's blocke of Ukrainian ports with Israeli counterpart Bennett. Draghi emphasised that Moscow's blocke has prevented Ukrainian grain exports and called for making efforts to ensure safe corridors for passage of Ukrainian grain. 

During meeting, two leers discussed war in Ukraine and ways to handle global food crisis. In dition, two leers discussed possible cooperation in energy, "especially in light of potential for exporting natural gas to Europe through Egypt," according to statement released by office of Israeli Prime Minister.

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett announced that he and his Italian counterpart have agreed to hold a Government Meeting (G2G) in Israel "soon." Bennett stressed that Europe requires energy at earliest and Israel is equipped with natural gas in "economic waters." He ded, "We talked about cooperation required to bring Israel's natural gas to Europe as well." It is pertinent to mention here that EU nations have been imposing sanctions against Russia after it launched an offensive in Ukraine. Several EU nations have been making efforts to reduce dependency on Russian energy. 

EU Commission President holds meeting with Israeli FM

Meanwhile, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Israel on June 13. Taking to her official Twitter handle, Ursula von der Leyen said, "My visit will focus on energy & food security, stepping up cooperation on research, health & climate. We’ll also discuss regional situation & efforts to build secure Middle East." During her visit to Israel, Leyen held a meeting with Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yair Lapid. She stressed that EU and Israel will work on enhancing bilateral ties and political ties. In dition, y will work on dressing issues, including impacts of Russian military offensive on food security and energy supply.