Israel has resumed operations at a major natural gas field that had been shut down since the onset of its war with Iran, a move that had halted exports to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan, AFP reports.

At the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, Israel ordered the suspension of activity at two offshore gas fields — the Leviathan and Karish facilities.

Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has now announced that production at the Leviathan field has been restored.

“Following situation assessments and examination of all relevant considerations, it was decided at this stage to return the Leviathan rig to operation,” a ministry statement says.

The field was closed over fears that a strike on a pressurised, operational installation could have catastrophic consequences.

Since the war began, Iran has targeted several of Israel’s industrial sites, including the oil refinery complex in Haifa.

“The supply of natural gas to the local economy continues and will now be increased following the integration of an additional rig into the production system,” the energy ministry says.