A PYMNTS Company

Israel: Netanyahu signs controversial waiver exempting Gas Industry from antitrust laws

By  |  December 20, 2015

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a waiver yesterday exempting Israel’s natural industry from further antitrust scrutiny in a move that clears the way for the development of the giant Leviathan field.

The signing marked the final piece of the puzzle to approve the so-called gas framework that sets terms for control of the fields and other key issues related to the industry. It ends – or nearly ends – a year of fractious debate over whether the framework ensures competition and low prices.

“This [deal] is important for the economy, for security, for society and for our external relations,” Netanyahu said at the signing ceremony. Netanyahu, who has justified the unprecedented override of antitrust on national security grounds, said he would meet with Cypriot and Greek leaders next month to discuss a regional energy tie-up.

Full content: Haaretz

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.