Israel's energy infrastructure is highly vulnerable, but it is currently protected to some extent by its strong air defenses and the limited accuracy and impact of most attacks so far, especially those from Iran, according to a Jordanian oil and energy expert.
Amer Shobaki told Anadolu that accurate and effective strikes on Israel's energy infrastructure could have serious consequences and even paralyze daily life, as the energy sector is directly linked to water desalination, communications, financial markets, and the technology sector, which together power more than half of the Israeli economy.
Shobaki said the Leviathan gas field—130 kilometers off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean Sea—was shut down as a precaution, since any projectile hitting the offshore platform near Haifa could cause severe damage or even an explosion that's hard to fix.
"Therefore, halting production was aimed at reducing potential risks and allowing a better opportunity for maintenance to be carried out more quickly if an attack were to occur," he said.
He noted that there is still a media blackout and uncertainty regarding the actual damage sustained by Israel's strategic energy infrastructure.
"However, initial indications point to limited damage to the Haifa refinery and a power generation station, which are repairable and do not threaten the continuity of Israel's energy system in the short term," he added.
- Jordan, Egypt struggle with Israeli gas supply cut
Shobaki said that Jordan has already been affected by the halt in gas supplies, with the flow of gas stopping six days ago.
He said Jordan is handling the situation seriously and efficiently, but at a high cost—about $2 million per day—which could reach $1 billion a year if the shutdown continues.
"Egypt, on the other hand, may be forced to import more liquefied natural gas (LNG) and increase reliance on diesel and fuel oil for power generation. This would significantly raise costs, and programmed electricity outages have already begun to deal with the shortage, especially during the peak summer demand period," he explained.
Shobaki said that in the short term, Egypt and Jordan lack immediate and viable alternatives to compensate for the loss of Israeli gas—especially during the summer months when electricity demand peaks due to cooling and air conditioning needs.
"Jordan may increase the use of diesel and fuel oil, while Egypt may purchase more LNG, but these are only temporary and highly expensive solutions. In short, there are no ready or sustainable alternatives if the disruption continues for an extended period," he said.
- Israeli energy infrastructure under fire
Amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, several key energy facilities in Israel have suffered major disruptions.
Iran's missile attacks led to the shutdown of two major offshore gas fields and inflicted heavy damage on the country's vital infrastructure.
The Bazan oil refinery in Haifa, with a daily processing capacity of 197,000 barrels, was forced to suspend operations following a direct strike, according to company statements and data from Israel's Energy and Infrastructure Ministry.
The refinery, along with its affiliated facilities, ceased all operations as of June 16.
A steam and power generation plant within the refinery compound was also heavily damaged, while an adjacent power station near the Haifa Port caught fire after another missile strike.
In response to the attacks, the Israeli government has established an emergency coordination center in Jerusalem to maintain energy supply continuity.
Meanwhile, Greece-based Energean halted all production at the Karish offshore gas field upon receiving instructions from the Energy Ministry on June 13, citing security concerns.
Chevron, the operator of the larger Leviathan field, also suspended operations, although the company has not disclosed details. These fields are key to both Israel's domestic supply and regional exports, particularly to Egypt and Jordan.
The disruptions pose significant risks to regional energy security. Egypt, which relies on Israeli gas for 15–20% of its consumption, may need to boost LNG imports amid rising summer electricity demand.
In 2024, Israel exported 13.2 billion cubic meters of gas to Egypt and Jordan, nearly half of its total gas production. Analysts warn that unless a swift ceasefire is achieved, the deepening crisis could further destabilize regional energy markets.
By Murat Temizer
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr