Israel, Palestinian Authority discuss natural gas fields off Gaza coast

According to Israeli television, security officials have had discussions about the possible development of natural gas fields off the coast of Gaza. The talks were led by National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian and were permitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The internal discussions are linked to summits that took place earlier this year in Egypt and Jordan. The news network did not specify the exact date when the talks were held, but the talks were primarily focused on improving the economic and financial conditions of the Palestinian people. This development would benefit from the Marine 1 and 2 fields that are located some 30 kilometers off Gaza. The sides have held negotiations about the matter sporadically for years but have failed to agree on numerous issues, including Israeli objections, disputes, and Hamas’s control over Gaza. The television report noted that Israel wishes Egypt, instead of the PA, to be in charge of the effort since the PA is not considered a state. The report also said that any agreement may face public backlash in Israel, citing two Israeli soldiers killed fighting in Gaza during the 2014 war whose bodies are still being held by Hamas. Israeli officials have informed the Palestinians, the US, and Egypt about the discussions. In response to the Palestinian rocket fire, Hanegbi discussed Israel’s response, stating that “there’s deterrence,” and blamed Hamas for the flareup.