Gas production has started at Karish, an offshore field at the center of a maritime border deal between Israel and Lebanon, London-listed Energean said.
“Gas is being produced from the Karish Main-02 well and the flow of gas is being steadily ramped up,” a statement from the company said.
The announcement comes before Lebanon and Israel are expected to sign their maritime deal, following lengthy negotiations mediated by Washington.
Production at the other two gas wells at the site is due to begin within the next four weeks, Energean said.
Karish joins Tamar and Leviathan to become Israel’s third offshore rig providing natural gas, with each connected to the mainland by separate infrastructure.
Under the accord with Lebanon, Beirut will have full rights to operate and explore the so-called Qana or Sidon reservoir nearby.
Parts of the site fall within the territorial waters of Israel, which will receive some revenues.
Washington’s envoy Amos Hochstein is meanwhile in Lebanon to finalize the deal.
