The government approved a plan led by the Environmental Protection Ministry together with the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority to remove cattle from the streams. The planned budget is NIS 14 million.
According to Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin, "For years, the Environmental Protection Ministry has proposed a plan to deal with preventing river pollution, including from the mumps disease. Unfortunately, this plan was delayed because of lack of budget.
"I'm happy that we finally managed to raise the necessary budget with the help of many partners, and that the program can be implemented immediately to prevent future Leptospirosis outbreaks similar to what happened last summer. Implementation of the plan is necessary to protect the northern rivers and preserve them as a safe tourist center for visitors and the citizens of the State of Israel."