The security of energy infrastructure is increasingly cited as a source of concern for policymakers in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean.
This is particularly true for Egypt, where we are seeing a dramatic shift in militants’ modus operandi (who, after targeting pipelines for years, are now threatening personnel working in the oil and gas sector), and Israel, which has so far been spared but is particularly concerned for the security of its offshore installations.
Over the past few years, the industry has assumed greater strategic and economic importance in Israel, making its infrastructure a potentially attractive target for attacks. The issue is frequently raised by Israeli officials, in the media and during bilateral discussions with countries thought to have an influence in the region. With Russia’s regained influence in the region, talks about a Russian involvement in securing Israeli offshore installations have resurfaced.
In this 1.036-word note, reserved for our clients, we tackle the following points:
- The ability of militant groups such as Hezbollah or Hamas to cause damage to offshore installations.
- The deterrence that Israel and its regional adversaries have mutually imposed.
- The military means deployed or expected to be deployed by Israel to protect its Exclusive Economic Zone (Navy, Special Forces, air defense, anti-ship missile defense…).
- The role Russia can (or cannot) be expected to play.