Israel says received bids from Greek, Indian firms to explore offshore

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said on Wednesday it received bids to explore for oil and gas in its economic waters from Greece's Energean and a consortium of Indian firms including ONGC Videsh, Bharat PetroResources, Indian Oil Corp and Oil India.

Israel hoped it would draw 2-3 foreign firms to come drill in 24 new offshore blocks in its latest bidding round that opened a year ago.

Israel's Energy Ministry said it would spend the coming weeks examining each bidder's offer and work plan before making a final decision. It said it will hold another bidding round next year.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch)