The locusts invaded Israel for the first time in about 50 years two weeks ago, but cold winds sent them out to sea or back toward Africa - until this weekend. Kibbutz Lotan, in the Aravah area north of Eilat, reported that the insects were attacking its tomato fields and date trees. A kibbutz member told Arutz-7 last night that locusts had been spotted for the first time in a week.
Some locusts were also sighted in the southern port city of Eilat. They arrived from the north African coast by way of the Sinai Desert.
Though an expected turn from pleasant temperatures to a cold wave by Tuesday may stop the latest attack, the spraying of pesticides has ruined the organic status of some of the produce grown on Kibbutz Keturah, also in the Aravah. However, as Kibbutz members explained, that is a preferred alternative over losing the entire crop.
The locusts were sighted two weeks ago as far north as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and even the Golan, but no damage was caused. Most of the harm was incurred in the Aravah region where dates are a major crop.
Kibbutz Yahel, near Lotan, reported nominal damage to its melon, onion and date crop after the first attack of the locust.
Some locusts were also sighted in the southern port city of Eilat. They arrived from the north African coast by way of the Sinai Desert.
Though an expected turn from pleasant temperatures to a cold wave by Tuesday may stop the latest attack, the spraying of pesticides has ruined the organic status of some of the produce grown on Kibbutz Keturah, also in the Aravah. However, as Kibbutz members explained, that is a preferred alternative over losing the entire crop.
The locusts were sighted two weeks ago as far north as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and even the Golan, but no damage was caused. Most of the harm was incurred in the Aravah region where dates are a major crop.
Kibbutz Yahel, near Lotan, reported nominal damage to its melon, onion and date crop after the first attack of the locust.