Zion Oil Announces Proposed New Drilling Subsidiary

April 20, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel – April 19, 2010 – Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (NASDAQ GM: ZN) announced today that the Company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aladdin Middle East Ltd. (AME).

The MoU outlines Zion’s plan to establish a subsidiary, tentatively named “Zion Drilling, Inc.”, which will purchase AME’s 2,000 horsepower drilling rig (currently located at Zion’s Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 wellsite, in Israel) in exchange for an initial payment of US$ 7.0 million and a series of US$ 1.0 million additional payments that are anticipated to coincide with Zion’s drilling of seven (7) additional wells in Israel. Each of these payments is to be funded by Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. The MoU provides that Zion Drilling, Inc. will be 51% owned by Zion Oil & Gas and 49% owned by AME. AME will be responsible for the daily drilling operations of Zion Drilling, Inc.

Zion’s Founder and Chairman, John Brown, said today, “The signing of the MoU with AME marks a significant milestone in the life of Zion Oil & Gas. We are looking forward to establish Zion Drilling, Inc. as this will help us to drill as many wells as it takes, in order to recover the ‘treasures of the deep that lie beneath’.” (Deut. 33:13-16)

Zion’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Rinberg, noted, “By establishing Zion Drilling, Inc. we will clearly demonstrate our ability to continue to drill wells in Israel without dependence on any outside third party.  We will have secured permanent control of a drilling rig for our planned future operations and consequently also raised Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.’s exploration business to a completely new level. We remain excited about the prospect of recovering hydrocarbons on the Ma’anit structure and on our other license and permit areas, especially due to the recent publication of a report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), containing their assessment that there may be 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable undiscovered oil in the Levant Basin. Zion’s exploration rights fall within the area of the Levant Basin.”

Zion’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ZN” and Zion’s warrants trade under the symbol “ZNWAW”.

Zion Oil & Gas, a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located on-shore between Haifa and Tel Aviv. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and the Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya, in the south, and Haifa, in the north, covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres and the Issachar-Zebulun Permit Area, adjacent to and to the east of Zion’s Asher-Menashe license area, covering approximately 165,000 acres. Zion’s total petroleum exploration rights area is approximately 327,000 acres.

AME is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, incorporated in Delaware in 1962, with its head office in Wichita, Kansas. AME has drilled more than 130 exploration and development wells in Turkey and Egypt for major oil companies, including Exxon, Mobil, Wintershall AG, MOL, Placid Oil, Neste Oy, Burren Energy Inc. and Edison International spa. Its rig inventory includes 11 drilling and workover rigs.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this communication that are not historical fact, including statements regarding Zion’s planned operations, geophysical and geological data and interpretation, anticipated attributes of geological strata being drilled, drilling efforts and locations, the presence or recoverability of hydrocarbons, sufficiency of cash reserves, ability to raise additional capital, the successful establishment of the drilling subsidiary and the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements with AME with respect thereto, timing and potential results thereof and plans contingent thereon are forward-looking statements as defined in the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements are based on assumptions that are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are described in Zion’s periodic reports filed with the SEC and are beyond Zion’s control. These risks could cause Zion’s actual performance to differ materially from the results predicted by these forward-looking statements. Zion can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in these statements will prove to be correct and assumes no responsibility to update these statements.

Zion’s homepage may be found at: www.zionoil.com

Contact:

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.

Mike Williams, 214-221-4610

dallas@zionoil.com

Zion’s Ottaviani Joins Board

April 15, 2010 by · 1 Comment 

ZION OIL & GAS APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBER

Dallas, Texas – April 12, 2010 – Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (NASDAQ GM: ZN), of Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel, announced today that Mr. William L. Ottaviani has been appointed as a Director of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. Mr. Ottaviani has been serving as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since January 31, 2010 and will continue to serve in these positions.

Mr. Ottaviani, a petroleum engineer by training, served as Chief Operating Officer at Rex Energy Corporation from November 2007 to September 2009. From September 2009 to January 2010, he worked as an independent consultant. From 1982 until 2007, Mr. Ottaviani served in various management, engineering, operational and staff assignments for Chevron and its affiliated companies, with assignments in California, Louisiana, Indonesia and Angola.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and his M.B.A. from California State University, Bakersfield.

Mr. John Brown, Chairman of the Board and Founder, said: “We are delighted to have Mr. Ottaviani joining our Board of Directors.  He brings more than 25 years of experience in the petroleum industry to Zion and will serve as a tremendous asset as we continue our pursuit to recover hydrocarbons in Israel.”

Zion Oil & Gas, a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located on-shore between Haifa and Tel Aviv. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and the Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya, in the south, and Haifa, in the north, covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres and the Issachar-Zebulun Permit Area, adjacent to and to the east of Zion’s Asher-Menashe license area, covering approximately 165,000 acres. Zion’s total petroleum exploration rights area is approximately 327,000 acres.

Zion to Commence Drilling

April 20, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Great news from Israel this morning! Zion’s AME drilling rig arrived at the port of Haifa on Saturday. Thirteen loads were transported to the Ma’anit Rehoboth #2 well site yesterday with the balance of the rig to be delivered today and tomorrow. According to Zion CEO Richard Rinberg drilling of Zion’s second well, the Ma’anit Rehoboth #2 should begin by next week.   Here’s the Zion press release:

Zion Oil Updates Drilling Schedule

2,000 Horsepower Drilling Rig Arrives in Israel

Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel – April 20,2009 – Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ZN) announced today updated information regarding the import into Israel of a drilling rig and crews owned and employed by Aladdin Middle East Ltd (AME). AME has been contracted to provide a completely refurbished and updated 2,000 horsepower rig and crews to drill Zion’s planned Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well ‘directionally’ to below 18,000 feet.

The drilling rig arrived by ship at the Israeli Port of Haifa during the evening of April 18, 2009. The required taxes and import charges were paid and the first thirteen loads (out of a total of approximately eighty loads) cleared Israeli Customs on April 19 and were transported to the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 drill site and unloaded. The remaining loads are scheduled to be transported to the drill site on April 20 and 21.

Twenty members of AME’s rig crew arrived in Israel on April 18 and 19 and will begin rigging up (i.e. erecting) the drilling rig on April 20. It is planned that drilling operations will start by the end of April.

For updates on the daily drilling activity please visit Zion’s website “www.zionoil.com“.

Zion currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north, covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres. Zion has applied for a further permit area (tentatively named by Zion the Issachar-Zebulun Permit Area) and the application, if granted, will increase Zion’s total license area to over 400,000 acres.

Zion’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Rinberg, said today, “It has been a long and difficult journey, but we have overcome the many challenges and, in a few days, the drilling rig should begin the drilling of Zion’s second well, on our Joseph License, to the Triassic Formation (down to a depth of 15,400 feet) and then, we plan, to the Permian Formation (down to a depth below 18,000 feet).”

Zion’s common stock trades on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “ZN” and Zion’s warrants trade under the symbol “ZN.WS“.

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this press release that are not historical fact, including statements regarding Zion’s planned operations, potential results thereof and plans contingent thereon, including the commencement of drilling operations, are forward-looking statements as defined in the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements are based on assumptions that are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are described in Zion’s periodic reports filed with the SEC and are beyond Zion’scontrol. These risks could cause Zion’s actual performance to differ materially from the results predicted by these forward-looking statements. Zion can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in these statements will prove to be correct and assumes no responsibility to update these statements.

Zion’s homepage may be found at: www.zionoil.com

Contact:

ZionOil & Gas, Inc.
Brittany Russell, 214-221-4610
dallas@zionoil.com

Zion Oil Announces Revised Drilling Schedule

November 7, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Zion Oil announced today (read the full press release below) that the delivery of the AME drilling rig to Israel will be delayed until January of 2009 due to Israeli government delays in processing AME’s work permits.

According to AME, other than the delay in processing work permits, machinery updating and refurbishment is complete and the drilling rig is sitting in Ankara, ready to ship.

On Zion’s side, completion of the site preparation and final government permissions are underway.

Anyone who has ever built a house knows about delays, like the building inspector not showing up when he’s scheduled. The inspector finally arrives and the house get completed. I don’t think the process changes much as the project’s grow in size.

The bottom line is that the rig is now scheduled to be in Israel in January rather than November, as previously expected. On the positive side, it looks like AME and their drilling equipment is ready to roll and Zion’s site preparations should be complete by the time the rig arrives in January. Pray for progress without further delays. And news of a bit turning in Northern Israel!

Here is Zion’s press release:

 

Zion Oil Updates Drilling Schedule

 Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel- November 7, 2008 – Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: ZN) announced today updated information regarding the status and importation into Israel of the drilling rig and crews contracted for (on September 12, 2008) with Aladdin Middle East Ltd (AME). Under the terms of the contract, AME committed to provide a completely refurbished and updated 2,000 horsepower rig and crews to drill Zion’s planned Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well ‘directionally’ to below 18,000 feet.

AME has advised Zion that the drilling rig refurbishment has been successfully completed and that the rig stands ready in Ankara, Turkey. AME have started the process of obtaining Israeli work permits for their crews; however due to the relevant government office in Israel having been closed for most of October, the workers’ permitting process was delayed. It is now anticipated that the rig will be shipped out of Turkey in January 2009.  

Zion has recently received positive notifications on almost all of the required Israeli permits (other than crew work permits) related to the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well and is now working on the location site to prepare it for the arrival of the rig.  

As detailed in its registration statement, Zion is raising funds in order to pursue its planned multi-well drilling program. Depending on actual amounts raised, Zion intends to carry out the following work program: drill Zion’s second well, on Zion’s Joseph License, to the Triassic Formation (down to a depth of 15,400 feet) and / or to the Permian Formation (down to a depth of 18,040 feet), drill a test well on Zion’s Asher-Menashe License to the Triassic Formation and, if appropriate, the Permian Formation and prepare for the drilling of an additional well on either its Joseph or Asher-Menashe License. 

Zion’s common stock trades on the NYSE Alternext US under the symbol ZN

Before you invest, for more complete information about Zion Oil & Gas and its offering, you should read Zion’s registration statement (including a prospectus) together with the other documents Zion has filed with the SEC. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Zion Oil & Gas or its underwriter, Brockington Securities, Inc, will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll free 1-888-TX1-ZION (1-888-891-9466). Direct links to the SEC location, or to the documents in PDF, may be found on the home page of Zion Oil & Gas, at www.zionoil.com

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north, covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres. 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this press release that are not historical fact, including statements regarding Zion’s planned operations, potential results thereof and plans contingent thereon, including the importation of a drilling rig into Israel, the granting of various required permits, the selection of potential drilling targets and locations, are forward-looking statements as defined in the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements are based on assumptions that are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are described in Zion’s periodic reports filed with the SEC and are beyond Zion’s control. These risks could cause Zion’s actual performance to differ materially from the results predicted by these forward-looking statements. Zion can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in these statements will prove to be correct and assumes no responsibility to update these statements. 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Zion Oil & Gas and its offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Zion Oil & Gas or its underwriter will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll free 1-888-TX1-ZION (1-888-891-9466). Direct links to the SEC location, or to the documents in PDF, may be found on the home page of Zion Oil & Gas. Inc., at www.zionoil.com

Contact:

Brittany Russell

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.

6510 Abrams Rd., Suite 300

Dallas, TX 75231

(1) 214-221-4610

Email: dallas@zionoil.com

ZION OIL ISSUES UNITS IN INITIAL CLOSING

October 25, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Subscriptions Still Being Accepted

Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel – October 24, 2008 – Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: ZN) announced that, today, the company issued 350,994 units in the initial closing of Zion’s follow-on offering. Each unit consists of one share of Zion stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Zion stock. The units were issued at $10 per unit and the amount raised in this initial closing was $3,509,940.
 
Zion continues to accept subscriptions at $10 per unit and the offering will remain open until the earlier of: (i) January 9, 2009, (ii) the date on which a total of 2,500,000 units have been subscribed and accepted, or (iii) such date as announced by the Company on no less than two trading days’ prior notice.
 
Zion has scheduled November 17, 2008 as the cut-off date for the receipt of documents to be included in the next interim closing.
 
As detailed in its registration statement, Zion is raising funds in order to pursue its planned multi-well drilling program.  Depending on actual amounts raised, Zion intends to carry out the following work program: drill Zion’s second well, on Zion’s Joseph License, to the Triassic Formation (down to a depth of 15,400 feet) and / or to the Permian Formation (down to a depth of 18,040 feet), drill a test well on Zion’s Asher-Menashe License to the Triassic Formation and, if appropriate, the Permian Formation and prepare for the drilling of an additional well on either its Joseph or Asher-Menashe License.
 
Zion’s common stock trades on the NYSE Alternext US under the symbol ZN and Zion’s units will trade under the symbol ZN.U
 
Before you invest, for more complete information about Zion Oil & Gas and its offering, you should read Zion’s registration statement (including a prospectus) together with the other documents Zion has filed with the SEC. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Zion Oil & Gas or its underwriter, Brockington Securities, Inc, will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll free 1-888-TX1-ZION (1-888-891-9466). Direct links to the SEC location, or to the documents in PDF, may be found on the home page of Zion Oil & Gas, at www.zionoil.com.
   
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north, covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres.
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this press release that are not historical fact, including statements regarding the future effectiveness of Zion’s registration statement, matters regarding the offering and closings thereof, Zion’s planned operations, potential results thereof and plans contingent thereon, including selection of potential drilling targets and locations, are forward-looking statements as defined in the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements are based on assumptions that are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are described in Zion’s periodic reports filed with the SEC and are beyond Zion’s control. These risks could cause Zion’s actual performance to differ materially from the results predicted by these forward-looking statements. Zion can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in these statements will prove to be correct and assumes no responsibility to update these statements.
 
Zion’s homepage may be found at: www.zionoil.com

Zion Oil & Gas Newsletter October 2008

October 17, 2008 by · 2 Comments 

I received the Zion Oil & Gas Newsletter and the latest press release today. In the middle of a global economic crisis, investors continue to stand behind Zion’s mission of discovering oil in Israel.  Zion is moving ahead as scheduled with plans for drilling their second well in November. Pay attention to the lines I put in underline and bold type. Something greater than ‘business as usual’ is going on at Zion Oil.

Here’s the Zion Newsletter and press release from CEO Richard Rinberg:

Zion CEO Richard RinbergDear Zion Shareholder and/or Friend of Zion…

 It is difficult to put into words the experience of the last few weeks. We are all living through such a remarkable and dramatic (even traumatic) period in world history. The economy looks and feels ‘broken’ and the healing may prove painful for all of us.  However, our trust is only in the Lord and not the stock market!  (Jer. 17:7)

 In Dallas, we received a phone call from a shareholder who was reviewing their stock portfolio and just had to call us and tell us that all of their retirement stocks were pretty much devastated in value, except one… there was only one steadfast rock in their portfolio – the stock of Zion Oil & Gas had maintained its value.

 Shortly after that phone call, a lawyer friend sent me a humorous email, as follows:

 ’The Best Investment Plan:

 If you purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you have $49 today.

 If you purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you have $33 today.

 If you purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you have $0 today.

 But, if you purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans forthe recycling refund, you will have received $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle.’

 I sent my friend the following reply:

 …and if you had purchased $1,000 of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. on October 3rd 2007, you would have today $995. So, I disagree with the beer plan… better to go with the Lord’s plan…

During one of the severest stock market collapses in recent decades, our follow-on $10 unit offering was successfully able to reach the minimum subscription by the due date of October 11, 2008. Every day, I watched the tally of subscriptions received. One week before the due date, I commented that if we were able to reach the minimum subscription, it would be a clear miracle from heaven.

On the very last day, we received substantial and completely unexpected subscriptions… and exceeded our required minimum subscription amount.

 I was a witness to what happened. I saw the miracle unfold. It was a deeply moving experience.

 Although we have announced (see the October 16 Press Release below) a scheduled initial closing on October 21, 2008, our $10 unit offering is still accepting subscriptions. So, it is not too late for you to subscribe and support our work in Israel. We still need both your prayer and financial support.

(I Chron. 29:10-14)

AME RigThe 2,000 horsepower drilling rig is scheduled to arrive in Israel in November 2008 and we hope that you will want to subscribe for some Zion $10 units, in order to be part of the exploration effort for oil and gas in Israel.

I cannot promise, but I for one will not be surprised if we all see a further miracle in the coming months…

Psalm 51:18 – In your good pleasure, make Zion prosper…

Shalom from Israel

Richard Rinberg

CEO of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.

P.S. Full details of the offer are set out in the Prospectus which is available for download and review on our website www.zionoil.com under “Investor Center” If you would prefer a hard copy of the Prospectus, please call: 1-888-TX1-ZION (1-888-891-9466) or email: dallas@zionoil.com

 

 

 

 

 

Zion Oil Announces Initial Closing of Follow-on Offering and Extends Termination Date

Subscriptions Still Being Accepted

Press Release  Thursday October 16, 2008

 DALLAS, Texas & CAESAREA, Israel–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (AMEX: ZN) announced today that it received subscriptions on or before October 11, 2008 in excess of the minimum number of units required to conduct an initial closing. An initial closing is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2008. As the minimum subscriptions in order to close were received by October 11, 2008, Zion has withdrawn the recently filed post effective amendment which was filed to extend the minimum raise date and the final termination date.

Pursuant to the original terms of the offering, Zion is also extending the offering termination date. The offering will remain open until the earlier of: (i) January 9, 2009, (ii) the date on which a total of 2,500,000 Units have been subscribed and accepted, or (iii) such date as announced by the Company on no less than two trading days’ prior notice.

As detailed in its registration statement, Zion is raising funds in order to pursue its planned multi-well drilling program. Depending on actual amounts raised, Zion intends to carry out the following work program: drill Zion’s second well, on Zion’s Joseph License, to the Triassic Formation (down to a depth of 15,400 feet) and / or to the Permian Formation (down to a depth of 18,040 feet), drill a test well on Zion’s Asher-Menashe License to the Triassic Formation and, if appropriate, the Permian Formation and prepare for the drilling of an additional well on either its Joseph or Asher-Menashe License.

Zion’s common stock trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol ZN.

Before you invest, Zion’s registration statement (including a prospectus) to which this communication relates should be read along with the other documents it has filed with the SEC, for more complete information about Zion Oil & Gas and its offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Zion Oil & Gas or its underwriter will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll free 1-888-TX1-ZION (1-888-891-9466). Direct links to the SEC location, or to the documents in PDF, may be found on the home page of Zion Oil & Gas, at www.zionoil.com.

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north, covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres.

Zion Oil & Gas Signs Drilling Contract

October 10, 2008 by · 2 Comments 

Caesarea, Israel – September 15, 2008 – Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (Amex: ZN) of Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel announced today that it and Aladdin Middle East (“AME”) have signed a drilling contract. Last week, Zion’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Rinberg, and the President and Chief Operating Officer of Zion, Glen Perry, visited AME’s offices in Ankara, Turkey, in order to inspect AME’s rig and equipment yard, meet with key AME personnel and finalize the terms of the drilling contract.

The contract was executed by both parties on September 12, 2008. Under the terms of the contract AME has committed to provide a completely refurbished and updated 2,000 horsepower rig and crews (anticipated to arrive in Israel in November 2008) and to drill Zion’s planned Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well ‘directionally’ to below 18,000 feet. The well is planned to appraise the strong shows seen in the Triassic (during the drilling of the Ma’anit #1 well) and to drill deeper into the Permian formation.  It will be the first well drilled to the Permian in Northern Israel. The commencement of the drilling program is subject to receipt of various government permits and raising additional capital, whether through Zion’s current public offering or otherwise.

Richard Rinberg, Zion’s Chief Executive Officer, said today, “This is an important milestone for Zion, one which we have been working towards for a long time.  We are very impressed by the quality of AME’s rig and the professionalism of their people.  We appreciate the hospitality shown to us by AME during our visit and are excited about working with AME and drilling our next wells, just as soon as we can.Zion CEO Richard Rinberg at AME Rig in Turkey

Additional information relating to the drilling contract and related matters will be included in Zion’s Current Report on Form 8-K, that Zion will be filing soon with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Zion Oil & Gas, a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres.

Zion COO Glen Perry at AME Rig in TurkeyAME is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, incorporated in Delaware in 1962, with its head office in Wichita, Kansas. AME has drilled more than 130 exploration and development wells in Turkey for major oil companies, including Exxon, Mobil, Wintershall AG, MOL, Placid Oil, Neste Oy, Terralliance (USA), JKX (UK) and TETHYS (Sweden). Its rig inventory includes 11 drilling and workover rigs and AME’s personnel have enormous work experience in many countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Georgia.

Zion CEO Richard Rinberg at AME in Turkey

Zion Oil & Gas Appoints New Board Member

September 22, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Dear Shareholder and/or Friend of Zion,

We have recently appointed our Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Martin Van Brauman, to our Board of Directors.   As you can read in the Press Release below, Martin has impressive qualifications and experience.   Zion is lucky to have such a high caliber individual.

Sincerely yours

John Brown Chairman of the Board and Founder

Zion Oil & Gas Appoints New Board Member

Wednesday August 13, 11:53 am ET

Martin VanBraumanDALLAS–Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (Amex: ZN – News), of Dallas, Texas and Caesarea, Israel, announced today that Mr. Martin Van Brauman has been elected as a Director of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. Mr. Van Brauman is currently Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Zion.

Mr. Van Brauman holds a B.E. degree from Vanderbilt University, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from St. Mary’s University and an M.B.A. and LL.M. (Tax Law), from Southern Methodist University. Mr. Van Brauman has over 22 years of experience in corporate tax and accounting analysis and is Board Certified in Tax Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In addition to working as a tax partner in several private law firms, Mr. Van Brauman spent 12 years as a Senior Attorney (International Specialist and Petroleum Industry Specialist) with the Office of Chief Counsel, IRS, following which he spent three years as a tax consultant with the global accounting firms of Deloitte & Touche and Grant Thornton.

Mr. John Brown, Chairman of the Board and Founder, said that the appointment of Mr. Van Brauman as a Director of the Company strengthens Zion’s Board and that he looks forward to Mr. Van Brauman’s future contribution to the company.

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, explores for oil and gas in Israel in areas located onshore between Tel-Aviv and Haifa. It currently holds two petroleum exploration licenses, the Joseph and Asher-Menashe Licenses, between Netanya on the south and Haifa on the north covering a total of approximately 162,000 acres.