Energy Law | Israel's Offshore Bid Round 5 (OBR5) Moves Ahead Toward a New Era of Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration

On December 9, 2025, it was announced that Israel is moving toward the launch of its Fifth Offshore Competitive Bid Round (OBR5) for natural gas exploration. On November 20, 2025, the Petroleum Council recommend that the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure proceed with the fifth competitive offshore round bidding procedure for natural gas exploration in Israel’s exclusive economic waters. Subject to ministerial approval, the competitive procedure is expected to be published by the end of 2025 or in January 2026.

Download the Shefler Law client update, based on the official announcement made by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on December 9, 2025:

Petroleum Article OBR5 16122025.pdf

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