What Happened ExxonMobil is reportedly exploring whether to bid on blocks in Israel's ongoing second offshore bidding round. The firm, which has held discussions with Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz regarding a possible bid, has until March 28 to submit a letter of interest and documentation to prequalify as an operator for a block. (Whether it has already done so remains unclear.) ExxonMobil would then have until June 17 to submit a bid on any of the 19 available blocks. Should it win in July, the company would become the first oil and gas supermajor to enter Israel's oil and gas sector. What It Means ExxonMobil will not take the decision to invest in Israel's oil and gas sector lightly.