"I am deeply saddened to hear about the gas import deal from Israel. Aren't our people entitled to an explanation of why such a deal was concluded at a time when the official reports themselves indicate that Egypt is about to become self-sufficient in gas? Stop disrespecting the minds of Egyptians," tweeted Hassan Nafaa, a professor of economics and political science at Cairo University.
The public anger over the deal is in stark contrast with an enthusiastic praise from officials in both Egypt and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as "historic" that would strengthen Israel's security, economy and regional relations.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has also lauded the deal as "a victory,” saying it would "help transform Egypt into a regional energy hub."
al-Sisi enthusiasm has failed to calm a skeptical Egyptian public, as many Egyptians reacted to the news with shock and outrage. Activists took to social media to question the motives behind the agreement, asking why there was a need to import gas when the country inaugurated the gigantic Zohr offshore gas field.
News of the multibillion-dollar gas import deal has dampened Egyptians' high ambitions. Disappointment and bewilderment have now replaced the optimism spurred by the opening of Zohr.
Under the deal Egyptian company Dolphinus Holdings would import around 64 billion cubic meters of gas over a 10-year period (starting at the end of next year) from Israeli drilling company Delek and its US partner Noble Energy.
