Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel has awarded its first license for energy
exploration on the Golan Heights, captured in the 1967 war.

The Israeli National Infrastructure Ministry has awarded a contract to
the U.S. company Genie Energy in February 2013.

The ministry said Genie, based in New Jersey, would conduct seismic tests while awaiting government permits to begin drilling on the Golan near the border with Syria.

“Genie Energy said today that the government of Israel has awarded its
subsidiary, Genie Israel Oil and Gas, Ltd., an exclusive petroleum
exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights,” Genie said on Feb. 20. “Genie Energy intends to conduct an exploration program to further investigate the size and quality of the resource in the new license area.”

In 2012, Israel decided to approve plans for crude oil and natural gas
exploration in the Heights, which encompasses 1,150 kilometers. Genie
contains several prominent shareholders, including publishing magnate Rupert
Murdoch.

  Genie Energy, Israel awards first Golan Heights drilling contract to U.S. firm, Israeli National Infrastructure Ministry