Israel has approved for the Qatari Energy Consortium to be involved in drilling for natural gas in the Kana-Sidon undersea reservoir. Drilling rights in this zone, called Block 9, are currently in the hands of French TotalEnergies and Italian Eni companies.

On Nov. 15, Israel signed an agreement with both companies to begin energy exploration in the area. Block 9 lies within Lebanon’s territorial waters, but the exploration might extend into Israel’s waters. Israel’s Nov. 22 approval will enable the Qatari company to buy some of the drilling rights from the French company to participate in the expected exploration.

The Israeli approval for the Qatari company and agreement with TotalEnergies and Eni follow the American-brokered deal inked Oct. 27 between Israel and Lebanon that defined the maritime boundaries between the two countries, resolving a long dispute over drilling rights. According to the boundaries agreement, most of the Kana-Sidon reservoir will be in Lebanese hands, while a small part under Israeli ownership. It also states that Israel holds veto rights on the companies drilling there, hence the need for its approval on Qatar. It seems Qatar will be allowed to participate in the exploration at a limit of 30% of drilling rights.

Israel’s Energy Ministry confirmed yesterday, “In the framework of the agreement … to ensure Israel’s rights in the Sidon Reservoir, an option was also authorized for the Qatari company Energy Consortium to join.”