The deal, agreed last week to unlock a Supreme Court impasse on the development of the 22 trillion-cubic-foot gas field, was approved at a regular cabinet meeting on Sunday, Reuters reported.

"After a delay of six years, the revised stability clause will allow not only the advancement of Leviathan's development, but also open the sea to exploration for new gas fields, and ensure Israeli gas exports to neighbouring countries and Europe," the news wire quoted Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz as saying.

Noble