'Naval Iron Dome has proven effective': Chevron CEO discusses Hezbollah attacks on gas works
The natural gas production platforms have been shut down multiple downs since the start of the war last year.
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth described to Bloomberg on Friday the effectiveness of the Iron Dome in protecting Israel's natural gas assets.
“These facilities have been targeted by rockets and missiles from Hezbollah,” Wirth said.
“The naval version of the Iron Dome has proven to be effective in interdicting. We’ve had autonomous underwater attacks as well.”
The natural gas production platforms have been shut down multiple downs since the start of the war last year.
Israel considers the Leviathan and Tamar natural gas platforms to constitute a key strategic asset in the Israeli energy sector, giving the state a measure of energy independence.
Israel's energy sector
Since the start of gas production in 2019, the Leviathan platform has provided approximately 40% of Israel's electricity consumption.
In addition, the platforms export natural gas to Egypt and Jordan under export agreements signed with these countries, amounting to billions of dollars.
Chevron holds 39.66% of the rights in the Leviathan reservoir and 25% of the rights in the Tamar reservoir, alongside other various Israeli partners natural gas partners.
The gas field has been a source of conflict with Lebanon in recent years, with Hezbollah threatening to target it in major attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was strongly criticized for a 2022 deal with Lebanon, which would allow for joint gas exploration and profit sharing due to Hezbollah's influence over the Lebanese government.
This led multiple MKs to push him to cancel the deal after the start of the war.
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