The culmination of stratigraphic studies spanning the geologic spectrum, especially the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Neogene, together with tectonic studies currently in progress, have contributed this past year to the analysis of exploration problems. Some managements remain unduly conservative where nonstructural projects are involved.

Six dry tests and 1 marginal development well were drilled, for a total of 43,000 ft (13,135 m). The Sherif 1 well drilled through a major reverse fault, the fourth of such faults encountered in the subsurface of Israel, giving additional evidence of the nature of the tectonic movements which produced the giant Negev anticlines. A 50-ft sandstone bed was drilled in the Gaza 1 well in a Miocene marine sequence, which hitherto had been conspicuous by the absence of reservoir beds therein.

Oil production declined 30% to 1,200 b/d; gas production declined by 7% to 12 MMCFD.