Israel’s energy ministry announced on 25 February that it would launch its fifth offshore licensing round (OBR5) in the coming days. It is pressing ahead with efforts to attract new international players even though awards have not been finalized from previous bid rounds and regional security tensions are intensifying.
The ministry had already provided many details of OBR5 last year when it said it would offer six offshore zones covering 8,600km² (see map & MEES, 19 December 2025). The move is part of a strategy to “expand exploration, increase production and strengthen Israel’s economic and geopolitical standing,” said Energy Minister Eli Cohen. (CONTINUED - 850 WORDS)
