JERUSALEM: Israel is suspending production at the Tamar gas field off its southern coast and will seek alternative fuel sources to meet its needs, the energy ministry said on Monday following three days of violence in the region.

Chevron, which operates the field, confirmed it had been instructed by the ministry to shut down the field, located some 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) off the city of Ashdod along Israel’s southern Mediterranean coast.

Israel’s largest offshore gas field, Leviathan, continues to operate normally, Chevron said.

Chevron, Tamar field’s operator, owns a 25% stake, while Isramco hold 28.75%, the UAE’s Mubadala Petroleum 22%, Tamar Petroleum 16.75%, Dor Gas 4% and Everest 3.5%.