But routing pipeline via either Greece or Turkey is a diplomatic challenge, and creates a 'Catch-22' in which funding must be found for costly project before supplies confirmed

Sources in Energy Ministry confirm request from Europe's Energy Commissioner, say decision tied to the new Karish site coming online

Yossi Langotsky, who named field after his granddaughter, says Energy Ministry is making a mistake considering exports before securing Israel's strategic reserves

An inter-ministerial committee recommends increasing exports from 40% to 52% of total yearly production and imposing no export curbs on fuel from new fields

Move seen as attempt to strengthen relations amid strife over natural gas in the Mediterranean

During visit by Egyptian minister, countries agree on project aimed at making use of Egyptian liquefaction facilities to boost exports to Europe

Terror group claims blast at el-Arish al-Qantara in Sinai, without evidence; energy official reportedly says that no damage done and gas is still flowing

Cooperation must include adversaries, says energy expert Brenda Shaffer, doubting that either East Med gas pipe to Europe or big Israeli role in Europe-bound Gulf oil will take off

Though sources said attacked pipe was a domestic one, jihadist group insists it 'targeted... the natural gas line linking the Jews and the apostate Egyptian government'

'The gas is reaching Egypt,' Jerusalem's energy ministry says, after Arab media report attack near northern Sinai coastal town of Bir El Abd