A framework for Israel’s gas sector, released Tuesday, would allow neighboring countries to receive offshore gas within 2-3 years by allowing exports from Tamar prior to the Leviathan field coming on line in 2019. Egypt and Jordan need gas and it was in Israel’s strategic interest to supply them, energy and water minister Yuval Steinitz told reporters. Last year the Tamar consortium — Delek Drilling, Noble Energy, Avner Oil and Gas, Isramco and Alon Gas Exploration — signed a letter of intent with Spain’s Union Fenosa for the sale of 4.5 Bcm annually for 15 years for its SEGAS LNG plant at Damietta, Egypt. Israeli energy industry sources said talks have resumed in recent weeks about signing a final agreement with Union Fenosa. One of the key elements of the framework, designed to end an impasse that has held up development of the huge field, is to foster competition […]