The Transportation Ministry has ordered farmers in the western Negev to stop using planes to spray their crops with pesticide. The order was supported by army officials, who fear that Arab terrorists in the Palestinian Authority-controlled Gaza region may attack the planes using missiles.
Similar orders have been given in the past, but were always cancelled before going into effect. Unlike previous orders, the latest order went into effect on Sunday immediately after being announced.
Regional farmers opposed the order, which they say will cost them tens of millions of shekels. Most of the farmers grow potatoes, the seeds of which have already been planted. The farmers explained that if the seeds are not sprayed immediately following the recent rains, they may be destroyed, forcing the farmers to import new seeds.
Similar orders have been given in the past, but were always cancelled before going into effect. Unlike previous orders, the latest order went into effect on Sunday immediately after being announced.
Regional farmers opposed the order, which they say will cost them tens of millions of shekels. Most of the farmers grow potatoes, the seeds of which have already been planted. The farmers explained that if the seeds are not sprayed immediately following the recent rains, they may be destroyed, forcing the farmers to import new seeds.