Egypt: Increased security likely following explosion on Egypt-Israel gas pipeline near El Arish late Jan. 17

Event

Heightened security measures are likely following an explosion on the Egypt-Israel gas pipeline near El Arish in Egypt's North Sinai Governorate late Jan. 17. The extent of the damage to the pipeline remains unknown, and Egyptian authorities have yet to comment on the incident. While the cause of the explosion remains unknown and under investigation, Islamic State (IS) militants have previously targeted and attacked the pipeline.

Security forces will likely establish roadblocks throughout the impact area, which may result in localized ground travel disruptions.

Context

IS poses a serious nationwide threat in Egypt. The militant group regularly clashes with security forces in the North Sinai region, where the government has been leading a low-level counterinsurgency campaign since 2011. Despite the campaign, IS' Wilayat Sinai branch remains one of the group's most active affiliates in North Africa and will likely remain a potent force for the foreseeable future. While the capabilities of IS affiliates have degraded in North Sinai from their peak in previous years, IS fighters continue to launch weekly attacks targeting security forces, religious minorities, and civilians.

Israel's export of natural gas to Egypt began in January 2019 and has been carried out from the Leviathan and Tamar offshore gas reservoirs in the Mediterranean Sea. This energy deal represents the first time that Israel is exporting natural gas to Egypt. Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has commented that the deal is the most significant joint project between the two countries since a peace accord was signed in 1979. The deal's authorization follows Steinitz's attendance at Egypt's first-ever regional gas forum in January 2019 - the first visit to Egypt by an Israeli cabinet member since 2011. An Israeli corporation working in partnership with a US-based company concluded a USD-15 billion contract to supply Egypt with 64 billion cubic meters (2.26 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas. The magnitude of the deal marks Israel's transformation into an important regional energy exporter, as well as an increase in its cooperation with Egypt.