Why it matters: The Trump administration has been pressing Netanyahu for several weeks to approve the deal as part of an effort to improve relations with Egypt after the Gaza war.
* The White House told Netanyahu it will try to help him arrange a meeting with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, but only if he approves the deal.
* Netanyahu and Sisi have not spoken since the war began, and relations between Israel and Egypt are highly strained.
* U.S. firm Chevron is a major partner in the gas field at the center of the deal.
* The White House told Netanyahu it will try to help him arrange a meeting with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, but only if he approves the deal.
* Netanyahu and Sisi have not spoken since the war began, and relations between Israel and Egypt are highly strained.
* U.S. firm Chevron is a major partner in the gas field at the center of the deal.
Driving the news: As part of the strategic natural gas deal, Israel would provide an estimated 25% of Egypt's electricity supply.
* Sisi approved the plan in July despite domestic and foreign criticism, but the Israeli government slow-walked it for five months.
* Sisi approved the plan in July despite domestic and foreign criticism, but the Israeli government slow-walked it for five months.
* "This is a huge opportunity for Israel. Selling gas to Egypt will create interdependence, get the countries closer together, create a warmer peace and prevent war," a U.S. official told Axios last week.
What he is saying: Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday that he approved the deal after he "secured Israel's security interests and other interests."
* He stressed the deal will strengthen regional stability.
* He stressed the deal will strengthen regional stability.
What to watch: Netanyahu wants to hold a trilateral meeting with Sisi and President Trump at the end of the month in Mar-a-Lago.
* As of now, the Egyptians are unenthusiastic about the idea of such a meeting unless Israel takes more steps to implement the Gaza peace deal. (Source)
