Israel, Jordan Sign Gas Deal While Kurdish Oil Battle Lives On

This week in energy we feel compelled to head to the Middle East, where we have seen movement on Israeli gas—another boon for US-based Noble Energy Inc.—and the hydrocarbons showdown between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), two issues we have covered extensively during the past two years.

The big news is that Israel and Jordan have signed a deal that will see Israel supply Jordan with $500 million in gas from the Tamar natural gas field in the Mediterranean, which started producing in March last year.

Patriots, F-16s may remain in Jordan after Eager Lion exercise

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2013 – The United States could leave Patriot anti-missile batteries and F-16 fighter jets in Jordan following the end of Exercise Eager Lion, a Pentagon spokesman said here today.

Editor’s note: Jordanian officials said, “The U.S. will send anti-missile batteries and fighter jets to Jordan at the kingdom’s request to boost defense capabilities in the face of an attack from neighboring Syria,” according to the Associated Press.

Jordan has requested the batteries, but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has not yet reviewed it, Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters. Hagel is returning from NATO meetings in Brussels today.

“When the secretary receives the request, he will favorably consider it,” Warren said. “Jordan is a strong partner with us. We have a longstanding and strong relationship with the Jordanians, and we want to do what we can to support their security requirements.”