Eliezer: Egypt's decision cancelling gas deal is 'political'

The Egypt -Israel gas deal's termination is yet another indication that a conflict between Israel and Cairo is possible, Knesset Member Binyamin Ben Eliezer reportedly said Monday according to Israel's daily Yediot Ahronot's website, (Ynet) news. Eliezer former Defense Minister who has also signed the gas deal with Egypt during his term as infrastructure minister, said Egypt wouldn't have cancelled the deal without the government's backing. Ynet news quoted him as saying "The decision is political. A private company cannot terminate a deal between countries". He told Israel Army Radio that the deal cancellation move is "very serious. The existence of the pipeline supported the peace treaty.", Israel Today Magazine reported. Eliezer said he has hopes the upcoming government of Egypt would reconsider the deal cancellation in terms of benefits for both sides. Israeli Prime Minister’s Office meantime regarded the deal cancellation of "commercial" rather than "political" purposes, according to Times of Israel.