Libya may benefit from Turkey’s strained ties with Israel over its December 2008 war on Gaza and recent Israeli treatment of the Turkish ambassador. Libya is negotiating with Turkey the import of 100 million cubic meters of water annually. Turkish officials say an agreement with Libya would jeopardize far advanced talks with Israel over the sale of water.
Turkish officials say both Libya and Israel are seeking to buy water from a $150 millon project on the Manavagat River that has yet to come on stream. That project is currently only able to load 100 million cubic meters per year. Adding additional capacity would be costly.
Israel has been negotiating the purchase of 50 million cubic meters of water annually over a period of 20 years. Turkish officials say three Israeli prime ministers have committed Israel to the purchase. They said the Turkish and Israeli governments intend to agree with shipping companies on the transport of the water to Israel.
Despite the commitments, authorities in Israel are divided about the deal. The country’s Water Authority is believed to favor it as a way of diversifying away from desalination. The Foreign Ministry, however, opposes the deal on financial grounds. Imported Turkish water would cost $0.80 per cubic meter compared to $0.50 for desalinated water.
Despite the commitments, authorities in Israel are divided about the deal. The country’s Water Authority is believed to favor it as a way of diversifying away from desalination. The Foreign Ministry, however, opposes the deal on financial grounds. Imported Turkish water would cost $0.80 per cubic meter compared to $0.50 for desalinated water.
Israeli officials, eager to secure the deal before Libya snatches it away, say the differences are likely to be resolved by splitting the contract into two, one between the two governments and one between Turkey and Israel’s water carrier.
