The Anatomy of a Possible Pipeline: The Case of Turkey and Leviathan and Gas Politics in the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the discovery of gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean on Turkey's energy policy by focusing on the prospects for constructing a pipeline from Israel's offshore Leviathan gas field to the Turkish mainland and Europe. The production, transportation and sale of gas cannot be studied in isolation from domestic and regional politics. The commercial feasibility of the proposed Leviathan pipeline is considered, taking into account regulatory complications. Relations between Turkey as a gas market, transit state and possible energy hub, and Israel and the Republic of Cyprus as local gas producers are discussed. In effect, the anatomy of the proposed Leviathan gas pipeline is explored from its conception to the various stages of the project's possible development.