ExxonMobil Weighs Energean Partnership for Israel Gas Bid

ExxonMobil is weighing a partnership with Energean to enter Israel's fifth offshore gas and oil exploration bid round, according to Israeli business reporting. The Energy Ministry's official bid portal says the round was launched July 6 for hydrocarbon exploration offshore Israel, offering 19 blocks across about 7,100 square kilometers and closing bids on November 11. Energean already produces from Karish, and the companies also cooperate on exploration near Greece and Italy, giving a potential bid experienced regional partners. The move would strengthen Israel's energy independence, competition and state revenue if more gas or oil is found.