Egypt’s State Information Service said Thursday that a recently announced natural gas deal with Israel is strictly commercial and carries no political implications.
SIS Chairman Diaa Rashwan called the agreement “a purely commercial transaction” involving companies such as U.S.‑based Chevron and Egyptian energy firms, without direct government intervention. He said the deal supports Egypt’s goal of becoming a regional gas trading hub, backed by liquefaction plants and transport infrastructure.
Rashwan warned against “hostile media campaigns” seeking to politicize the deal and reiterated Egypt’s support for a two‑state solution and opposition to forced displacement, citing its role in Gaza reconstruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday announced approval of the deal, valued at 112 billion shekels (about $34.7 billion), calling it the largest in Israel’s history. Energy Minister Eli Cohen described it as a “historic moment.”
Egyptian officials said earlier the agreement amends a 2019 deal, extending Israeli gas supplies to Egypt until 2040.