** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ rise as much as 0.7% to their highest level since July 19, 2024
** AXEJ is set for weekly gain of around 8%, best since early October, 2022
** Oil prices rise around 5% on growing disruption to global oil supplies caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran O/R
** Energy giant Woodside WDS.AX up 1.4% while smaller rival Santos STO.AX climbs 1.8% to its highest level in more than 5 months
** Stock up 23.1% YTD
(Reporting by Sneha Kumar in Bengaluru)
((Sneha.kumar@thomsonreuters.com;))