Israel’s Leviathan Gas Field Resumes Operations Following Strategic Shutdown

Israeli authorities have approved the restart of the Leviathan gas field, the nation’s largest offshore natural gas reservoir. The facility had been idled for over 30 days to mitigate security risks following the outbreak of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28.

The decision to resume operations, announced by the Israeli energy ministry on April 2, marks the end of a month-long war shutdown intended to protect critical energy infrastructure from potential strikes. The restart ensures the continued flow of natural gas essential for both domestic energy security and regional export commitments.

The Strategic Shutdown: Operation Roaring Lion

The Leviathan and Karish reservoirs were shut down as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of being hit during the onset of Operation Roaring Lion. This strategic pause lasted more than a month, during which the platforms remained inactive to avoid becoming high-value targets during the conflict.

According to reports from Reuters and the Jerusalem Post, the resumption of activities follows a careful assessment of the risk environment by Israeli authorities.

Understanding the Leviathan Field’s Scale and Impact

Located in the Levantine basin of the Mediterranean Sea, the Leviathan field is a cornerstone of Israel’s energy strategy. The field is situated approximately 130 kilometres (81 mi) west of Haifa in waters reaching depths of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).

Operational Structure and Capacity

The field is operated by Chevron Corporation, with ownership shared among several partners:

• Delek Drilling: 45.33%
• Chevron Corporation: 39.66%
• Ratio Oil Exploration: 15%

With an estimated 35 trillion cubic feet of gas in place and 22 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, the field was estimated in 2017 to be capable of meeting Israel’s domestic needs for 40 years. Commercial production first began on December 31, 2019.

Regional Energy Influence

Beyond domestic use, Leviathan is a pivotal tool for Israel’s foreign relations and regional economic integration. As of 2024, 90% of the field’s production was exported to Egypt and Jordan, positioning Israel as a key energy provider in the Middle East.

Key Takeaways

• Restart Date: Operations resumed following an April 2 announcement.
• Reason for Shutdown: Risk of strikes during Operation Roaring Lion, which began February 28.
• Duration: The field was inactive for over 30 days.
• Economic Role: 90% of production is exported to Jordan and Egypt.
• Ownership: Operated by Chevron, with Delek Drilling and Ratio Oil as partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Leviathan gas field shut down?

The field was idled to reduce the risk of being targeted by strikes during the outbreak of Operation Roaring Lion.

Who operates the Leviathan field?

The field is operated by Chevron Corporation, in partnership with Delek Drilling and Ratio Oil Exploration.

How does Leviathan affect Israel’s energy status?

Together with the nearby Tamar field, Leviathan has provided Israel with a path toward energy independence and the ability to export significant volumes of gas to neighboring countries.

Future Outlook

The resumption of the Leviathan field stabilizes Israel’s energy exports and domestic supply. As the region continues to navigate geopolitical volatility, the ability to rapidly secure and restart critical infrastructure like the Leviathan platform remains vital for Israel’s economic resilience and its strategic partnerships with Egypt and Jordan.