Houston-based Noble Energy is on track for end-2019 start-up at Israel’s 22tcf Leviathan field and is close to agreeing a first gas sales deal from Cyprus’ 5tcf Aphrodite.

Discovered in December 2010, development of Noble Energy’s 22tcf Leviathan gas field offshore Israel, is 40% complete and on target for late-2019 start-up, the company says.

The sanctioning of the deal in February last year was a “major milestone” for the company after Israel’s...