Murphy Oil Corp. has entered the Eastern Mediterranean through the award of six exploration licenses in Zone G by Israel’s Energy Ministry.

Zone G spans about 1,700 sq km offshore Israel, about 25 km southwest of Leviathan gas field.

Murphy Offshore Oil Co. Ltd., a Murphy Oil subsidiary, will serve as operator of the licenses with a 50% interest. The other 50% will be held by Ratio Energies LP.

Murphy said the partners will work to further evaluate the exploration potential of the zone, but specific details were not provided.