Netanyahu approves $35 billion gas deal with Egypt under U.S. pressure

• 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.
• "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.

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.

Go deeper: White House scolded Netanyahu for violating Gaza ceasefire with strike