Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel and Jordan have agreed to supply natural gas to
the Hashemite kingdom.

Israel has approved the first export from its offshore Tamar gas field, headed by the U.S. firm Noble Energy.

Under the 15-year deal, signed on Feb. 19, the Noble-led consortium would provide 1.8 billion cubic meters of gas to Jordan’s Arab Potash and Jordan Bromine.

“This deal will pave the way for additional export projects which could enhance regional cooperation as well as provide additional supply to the domestic market and enhanced security of supply through development of additional reservoirs and infrastructure,” Noble vice president Lawson Freeman said.

Executives said the deal, based on a starting price of at least $6.50 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas, was facilitated by the U.S. State Department as part of energy cooperation in the Middle East. They said
exports would begin in 2016, with the gas to be used for facilities along the Dead Sea.

  Dead Sea, Israel signs 15-year deal for export of natural gas to Jordan, Noble Energy, Tamar Gas Field