Israel Restarts Karish Gas Rig Operations After Ceasefire Reduces Security Risks Near Lebanon Coast

After weeks of uncertainty, the Karish offshore gas rig is back up and running following a ceasefire involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The facility, operated by Energean, had been shut down for about 40 days due to security concerns linked to the conflict.

Its restart marks the final step in restoring Israel’s offshore gas production, especially after the Leviathan gas field resumed operations earlier, while the Tamar gas field continued running throughout the crisis.

Why Karish Was Shut Down in the First Place

When tensions escalated into conflict earlier this year, Israel took precautionary steps to protect key energy infrastructure.

Offshore rigs like Karish and Leviathan were seen as potential targets, particularly due to threats from Iran and groups such as Hezbollah.

Because Karish sits farther out at sea and closer to Lebanon, it was considered more vulnerable, which explains why it remained offline longer than Leviathan.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions Over the Restart

The decision to bring Karish back online wasn’t straightforward.

Within Israel’s government, there was a clear divide.

The Ministry of Energy pushed for a quick return to normal operations to stabilize supply and reduce costs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense urged caution, prioritizing safety and minimizing risk to critical infrastructure.

In the end, improved security conditions following the ceasefire tipped the balance, allowing operations to resume under strict safety protocols.

Energy System Under Pressure During the Shutdown

Israel’s electricity system relies heavily on natural gas, particularly from fields like Leviathan, Tamar, and Karish.

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When two of these major sources went offline, the country had to fall back on less efficient alternatives.

Coal usage surged to its maximum levels, and during peak demand, diesel—normally reserved for emergencies—was brought into the mix.

This shift wasn’t just environmentally unfriendly; it was also far more expensive.

To cushion consumers from rising electricity costs, the government even reduced taxes on diesel fuel temporarily.

Regional Ripple Effects Beyond Israel

The shutdown didn’t just affect Israel.

Countries like Egypt and Jordan, which depend on Israeli gas exports, felt the impact almost immediately.

Egypt, for instance, experienced electricity shortages and had to implement power cuts due to reduced gas supply from Leviathan.

This external pressure played a role in accelerating the decision to restart production.

The Economic Cost of Shutting Down

The financial toll of halting gas production was significant.

According to estimates, the combined shutdown of the Leviathan and Karish fields cost Israel around NIS 1.7 billion.

• Leviathan’s closure alone resulted in about NIS 1 billion in losses
• Karish added roughly NIS 660 million after 40 days offline

These losses came from higher electricity production costs, reduced state revenues, and missed income for energy companies.

Impact and Consequences

The shutdown exposed just how critical natural gas is to Israel’s economy and energy security.

• Higher electricity costs: Switching to coal and diesel increased production expenses
• Environmental impact: Greater reliance on fossil fuels raised emissions
• Regional instability: Neighboring countries faced energy shortages
• Policy tension: Internal disagreements highlighted the challenge of balancing security and economic needs

At the same time, it reinforced the importance of protecting energy infrastructure during geopolitical conflicts.

What’s Next?

With Karish now operational again, Israel’s energy sector is gradually returning to normal.

However, the situation remains fragile.

Future steps may include strengthening offshore security, diversifying energy sources, and investing more in renewables to reduce reliance on vulnerable gas fields.

There’s also likely to be continued diplomatic and military coordination to ensure such disruptions are minimized in future conflicts.

Summary

The reopening of the Karish gas rig signals a return to stability for Israel’s energy sector after weeks of disruption.

While the ceasefire has reduced immediate risks, the episode has highlighted the economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges tied to energy dependence in a volatile region.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Karish gas rig resumes operations after 40-day shutdown
• Leviathan field had already restarted; Tamar remained active throughout
• Shutdown forced Israel to rely on coal and diesel for electricity
• Total economic damage estimated at NIS 1.7 billion
• Regional countries like Egypt faced power shortages
• Internal government tensions delayed restart decision
• Ceasefire reduced risks, enabling energy production to resume
• Future focus likely on energy security and diversification