In an unexpected move, Israel on 23 June launched an offshore bid round, the country’s third, albeit with just one block on offer.

Block 72, previously named Alon D, lies to the east of Greek firm Energean’s 2.2tcf Karish development and abuts the disputed Lebanese-Israeli maritime border: Total’s Lebanon Block 9 immediately to the north is seen as promising (MEES, 1 May). (CONTINUED - 216 WORDS)