- Heletz
Infobox_Kibbutz
kibbutz_name = Heletz
foundation = 1950
founded_by =Yemen ite immigrants
region = Southern coastal plain
council = Hof Ashkelon
industry = Agriculture, oil extraction
affiliation =Moshavim Movement
website =Heletz ( _he. חלץ) is a
moshav in southernIsrael . Located betweenAshkelon ,Kiryat Gat andSderot , it falls under the jurisdiction ofHof Ashkelon Regional Council . In 2006 it had a population of 422.The moshav was founded in 1950 by immigrants from
Yemen , and was named after Helez, one ofKing David's Warriors .The Heletz
oil field was the location of the first successfuloil well in the country, with extraction beginning in 1955 resulting in much celebration. It remains the most economic oil field in Israel.Recently Avenue Group, Inc. and Tomco Energy have restarted production from the Heletz oil field.
The companies reported total production of over 3,200 barrels of oil since June 11.
Three more wells are currently awaiting the delivery and installation of downhole pumps in preparation for their return to production.
The companies have also retained the international consultant firm of TRACS International to study the oil and gas reserves underlying the Heletz field. Reserves are estimated at 20 million barrels of oil to as high as 100 million barrels.
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