A joint statement from partners Noble Energy, Delek Drilling, and Ratio said that the start of production was expected to lead to an immediate reduction in domestic electricity prices and the start of exports.
"For the first time in its history, Israel to become a significant natural gas exporter," it said.
On December 17,
Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz announced approval of sales to
Egypt from Leviathan and the smaller Tamar field.