The Tamar Field off the Israeli coast was the first of a series of large-scale natural gas discoveries in the region. Significant subsequent discoveries have been made in Israel (Leviathan), Cyprus (Aphrodite), and Egypt (Zohr), while Lebanon has been actively trying to assess its resources. For the Eastern Mediterranean, this has meant a slowdown in developing some of the natural gas that has been discovered, delaying the exploration for new discoveries, and requiring greater effort to find markets for the region's natural gas. Most electricity in Cyprus is generated by oil-fired power plants. Cyprus currently has no natural gas infrastructure. The lack of natural gas infrastructure on the island makes it difficult and potentially costly for Cyprus to utilize gas from the Aphrodite Field domestically. Doing so would require the construction of both overland pipelines in Cyprus to deliver the gas and power plants or industrial facilities that could use the gas. Oil is also a major component of Egypt's domestic energy mix. Zohr Field—A Big Find

The supergiant Zohr Field was discovered in August 2015 by Eni SPA, an Italian company. Repeated attacks on the Arab Gas pipeline from Egypt, which has supplied Lebanon with gas in the past, have made it infeasible for Lebanon to import natural gas. There are a number of factors in Lebanon that could potentially inhibit future progress on the exploration and development of possible gas resources. It is possible that the disputed area could be the cause of additional tension between Israel and Lebanon as Israel continues to develop its gas reserves. The discovery of the Tamar, Dalit, and Leviathan fields by U.S.-based Noble Energy in 2009 and 2010 created the potential for Israel to become a net exporter of natural gas. It could also increase Israel's energy security in the long term by creating the potential for Israel to become a net exporter of natural gas. There are a number of possible destinations in the region for Israeli natural gas exports, which may have geopolitical benefits. Egypt is seeking additional sources of gas, and the Tamar consortium, which includes U.S. Noble Energy, has already signed an agreement with a private Egyptian firm promising to provide Egypt with natural gas via an undersea pipeline. Although Israeli gas imports are politically unpopular in Egypt, Cairo has indicated that it will not intervene in private agreements to import Israeli gas. Exporting gas to Turkey via pipeline could allow Israeli gas to reach the European market and supply markets in Turkey. U.S. Interest in the Region's Natural Gas Development

Although the United States is essentially independent in its natural gas resources, it has expressed interest in the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas resources, particularly in the development of Israel's resources. Congress and the Obama Administration have undertaken a variety of efforts in regard to the region's natural gas. The State Department has been actively engaged in mediating the maritime dispute between Lebanon and Israel.
Since 2009, a series of large natural gas discoveries in the Levant Basin have altered the dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Israel's discovery of the Tamar Field and subsequent discovery of the larger Leviathan Field created the potential for the country to become a regional player in the natural gas market. Since the initial Israeli discoveries, Cyprus and Egypt have also found new gas deposits in the Mediterranean. The Aphrodite Field was discovered by U.S. firm Noble Energy in Cypriot waters in late 2011 and the massive Zohr Field was found in Egyptian waters by Italian firm Eni in 2015.These discoveries create the potential for Cyprus to export gas and for Egypt to meet more of its domestic gas needs. Lebanon has not yet discovered recoverable gas reserves, but geologic data indicates that there is the potential for Lebanon to possess significant gas resources. Israeli gas discoveries have been contested by Lebanon, which disputes an area of about 300 square miles along the countries' unsettled maritime border. The Administration has sought to mediate the maritime dispute between Israel and Lebanon.
New gas reserves could change how energy is used in the region. Since the Tamar find, Israel's electricity energy mix has begun to shift from oil to natural gas-fired power plants. Gas-fired plants emit less carbon than oil-fired plants, and continuing to convert oil plants could help Israel meet long-term carbon emissions goals. The development of gas infrastructure in Cyprus could also help the country transition from oil to gas-fired power generation. A similar shift could also occur in Lebanon should gas be discovered and related infrastructure developed. Lebanon currently uses no natural gas.
Israel now has the potential to become a gas exporter. There are a number of potential buyers for Israeli gas. Egypt, currently facing an energy crisis, will need to import gas to cover domestic demand in the near future. While Israeli gas imports are politically unpopular in Egypt, private Egyptian firms have already begun to negotiate agreements with Noble Energy to import Israeli gas. Jordan is another possible destination for Israeli gas. Repeated attacks on Egypt's Arab Gas Pipeline have decreased Jordan's energy security and increased the need for it to find alternate, reliable sources of gas. Finally, recent progress on improving diplomatic relations has opened the possibility of Israeli gas exports to Turkey. These exports could either be shipped by the construction of a direct pipeline or by liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers crossing the Mediterranean.
Although the United States is essentially independent in its natural gas resources, it has expressed interest in the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas resources, particularly in the development of Israel's resources. Congress and the Obama Administration have undertaken a variety of efforts in regard to the region's natural gas. Legislation has been introduced in both Houses of Congress, and has become law, during the last couple of sessions that address the region's natural gas resources.