Israel’s petrochemical facilities are strategic targets in a highly volatile region. Experts warn that missile attacks by Iran and Hezbollah could endanger Israel’s national security, shutting down desalination plants and jeopardizing electricity production
Safe energy for a safer Israel & planet
Israel’s petrochemical facilities are strategic targets in a highly volatile region. Experts warn that missile attacks by Iran and Hezbollah could endanger Israel’s national security, shutting down desalination plants and jeopardizing electricity production.
Safe energy for a safer Israel & world
Israel’s petrochemical facilities are strategic targets in a highly volatile region. Former Raphael missile expert Yeshayahu Schatzberger warns that Iran and Hezbollah have the missile capacity to strike the Leviathan rig, Haifa’s refinery, and related condensate and gas facilities. A separate report warns that an attack on a nearshore platform could endanger Israel’s national security, shutting down desalination plants and jeopardizing electricity production.
Unfortunately, despite these expert warnings and a nationwide struggle by IEG and other citizen organizations, the Ministry of Energy went ahead with its plans for the Leviathan processing rig. The nearshore platform began operations in January 2020, accompanied by Hezbollah threats. Moreover, Israel still has plans for gas-fired facilities nationwide.
An attack would not be a first for local petrochemical facilities. Israel downed three Hezbollah drones headed for the Karish gas rig on July 3, 2022. During the May 2021 conflict, a direct Hamas hit on a gas pipeline in Ashdod caused Chevron to shut down the offshore Tamar rig (located 14 miles from Ashdod/Ashkelon). This also occurred in 2019, when a massive rocket attack forced Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz to shut down Tamar. Jihadist extremists have also sabotaged the Egyptian-Israeli pipeline through the Sinai Peninsula on several occasions.
These events drive home the dangers of coupling the inherently unsafe fossil fuel industry with the strife-filled Middle East and underlie IEG’s relentless efforts to transition Israel to safe energy.
"An attack on the nearshore platform will endanger Israel's national security, dumping hazardous materials into the sea and shutting down Israel's desalination plants. The electricity system will also be jeopardized since the power stations require seawater for ongoing operation."
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In the News
Report: Militants bomb gas pipeline between Israel, Egypt in northern Sinai
Ynet, February 2, 2020
Chevron shuts Tamar offshore gas platform as Hamas says it targeted facility
Times of Israel, May 12, 2021
Hezbollah issues fresh threat against Israel’s offshore gas rigs
Times of Israel, February 18, 2018
