Israeli beaches are not in good shape. Such is the conclusion of a report submitted this week by an umbrella organization called \"Forum of Beaches\" to Environment Minister Tzachi Hanegbi. Rani Amir, head of the Ocean and Beaches Department in the Environment Ministry, told Arutz-7 today,
\"There is in fact a good chance that our beaches are simply disappearing. There are several reasons for this, as the report points out. One of them is the massive construction along what is left of the beachfronts, as well as uncontrolled placement of various installations, such as marinas, army points, and others...\" Another problem is the dwindling of sand supplies, by natural and other causes: \"Much sand is used for construction purposes, but alternatives do exist, albeit more expensive. These include lower-grade sand from Rotem [in the Negev], imported sand, sand mined from the Continental Shelf, sand that is recycled from construction waste…\" He said that the idea of artificial islands off the Tel Aviv coast has not yet been investigated conclusively.
In conclusion, Amir listed the areas where \"good, nice, clean beach\" still remains in Israel: \"There are several such areas: north of Nahariya, Carmel, Hadera, the Country Beach, Palmachim, Zikim, Ashkelon, Ashdod - there are many, and it is incumbent upon all of us to take part in the efforts to save them.\"
\"There is in fact a good chance that our beaches are simply disappearing. There are several reasons for this, as the report points out. One of them is the massive construction along what is left of the beachfronts, as well as uncontrolled placement of various installations, such as marinas, army points, and others...\" Another problem is the dwindling of sand supplies, by natural and other causes: \"Much sand is used for construction purposes, but alternatives do exist, albeit more expensive. These include lower-grade sand from Rotem [in the Negev], imported sand, sand mined from the Continental Shelf, sand that is recycled from construction waste…\" He said that the idea of artificial islands off the Tel Aviv coast has not yet been investigated conclusively.
In conclusion, Amir listed the areas where \"good, nice, clean beach\" still remains in Israel: \"There are several such areas: north of Nahariya, Carmel, Hadera, the Country Beach, Palmachim, Zikim, Ashkelon, Ashdod - there are many, and it is incumbent upon all of us to take part in the efforts to save them.\"