US operator Noble Energy has begun testing the waters in its search for buyers for 11% of Israel’s 10 tcf Tamar gas field, which currently produces 800mn cfd, all of Israel’s gas output. The firm currently has 36% but, as part of an anti-trust settlement, has been told by the Israeli authorities to reduce this to 25% within the next five years.

Israeli financial dailies Calcalist and Marker say Noble is in talks with local firms Clal Insurance, Harel Insurance and Finance and Menora Mivtachim. (CONTINUED - 293 WORDS)