The Knesset Environment Committee passed on second and third readings Monday afternoon a bill that provides for a new "green police" force in cities. The bill, sponsored by Hadash Knesset Member Dov Khenin, would give the police the authority to locate and investigate violators of environmental protection laws.

The bill, if passed by the Knesset, provides for fines, with the money to be paid to the cities where the offenses are committed. Regional councils that are not designated as cities would be required to establish environmental inspectors.