The Shamgar Report released today stated that there was no scientific evidence linking the alarmingly high rate of cancer among former navy seals and the polluted Kishon River, where many of them trained. Committee chair, retired Justice Meir Shamgar, held a minority opinion directly linking the Kishon pollution to the incidence of cancer among the commandos, and placed the onus on the military and government. Despite the findings of the majority of the Shamgar Committee members, the IDF has voluntarily undertaken to assist the former members of the elite naval unit now battling cancer.
A May 2000 Greenpeace report found that tested water samples from the Kishon were highly toxic. The river was used as a dumping site for chemical plants, yet IDF naval commandos were using it as a training site as well. However, after evidence of the extent of the pollution in the Kishon became public, it was declared off-limits to swimmers, fishermen, and anyone wishing to enter it.
A May 2000 Greenpeace report found that tested water samples from the Kishon were highly toxic. The river was used as a dumping site for chemical plants, yet IDF naval commandos were using it as a training site as well. However, after evidence of the extent of the pollution in the Kishon became public, it was declared off-limits to swimmers, fishermen, and anyone wishing to enter it.