Pollution

Very high air pollution expected across the country

The high air pollution is caused by southwesterly winds, which are carrying dust to the area. An improvement in air quality is expected over the weekend.

Unprecedented measures against air pollution in Judea and Samaria

The Civil Administration worked to eradicate illegal burning sites in Na'alin, deploying a thermal drone, removing tons of waste and seizing more than 30 trucks.

Ministry warns: High levels of pollution around the country

High levels of pollution expected across Israel, sparking warnings for at-risk populations.

Defense Minister orders immediate enforcement for burning garbage

Amendment to security order to prevent burning garbage signed, allowing aggressive enforcement.

Right-wing MK infuriates IDF

The IDF says MK Tzvi Succot entered Area A near Jericho without prior coordination, while Succot claims he was escorted by troops and left immediately when instructed.

Attempt to smuggle 100 tons of waste for burning foiled

Several attempts were thwarted to smuggle more than 100 tons of waste on five trucks through crossings in Judea and Samaria for illegal burning.

Defense Minister intensifies war against burning garbage

Amendment to security order to allow improved enforcement, deter environmental offenders.

Smotrich:

We'll remove garbage from Palestinian Authority at their expense

Israel to remove waste caused by illegal fires set by Palestinian Authority Arabs, charge bill to Palestinian Authority.

Since 2000:

Plastic waste from Jerusalem’s runoff accumulating in Dead Sea

University of Haifa analysis reveals a sharp rise in plastic accumulation originating from flash floods in Kidron Stream, increasing quantities of microplastic, and waste trapped in sinkholes in Dead Sea area.

'Shoot anyone who starts a fire'

The new form of terror that could kill thousands

The Knesset Interior Affairs Committee held a meeting on the issue of waste fires, with MKs calling them terrorism and urging military involvement.

Air pollution in Judea & Samaria: Shocking data revealed

MK Tzvi Sukkot convened an urgent discussion in the Knesset's Judea and Samaria Committee following the spread of garbage fires in the area, which caused 1,400 deaths in 2023.

Along Israel's coast:

High levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sea turtles

Scientists find high rates of multidrug-resistant bacteria in sea turtles, raising concerns about the ripple effects of human pollution on ocean health.

Gush Etzion:

1000s of cubic meters of Arab sewage run into the Tekoa Stream

After part of the Palestinian Authority al-Maniya sanitation dump collapsed, fluids from a cesspool began to run into the Tekoa Stream causing severe environmental damage.

Illegal waste site in Ramallah chokes residents of Jewish town

Illegal waste site set on fire in Ramallah suffocates residents of Ateret in the Binyamin Region. 'This is a serious health hazard.'

Arabs burn illegal waste dump in Binyamin

Binyamin Council says it warned Civil Administration many times about dangers of illegal waste dump, resulting air pollution, to no avail.

Israel cancels tax on disposables

Finance Minister touts move as campaign promise government has fulfilled, while Environmental Protection Minister protests the move.

Environmental Protection Min:

Govt. to fight air, water, soil pollution in Gush Etzion

Minister Idit Silman visits Gush Etzion, sees instances of environmental damage caused by PA negligence.

Study:

Israel's coastline contaminated with 2 tons of microplastics

Israel's most polluted beaches are in Tel Aviv and Hadera, study finds.

Arabs burn tires during weekend riots, causing severe pollution

Arabs burn large amount of tires during weekend riots, causing severe air pollution in neighboring Jewish town.

Exposure to air pollution linked to low birth weight

Hebrew U. study of births in Israel reveals troubling link between exposure to air pollution and low birth weight.

ANALYSIS

Israel's contribution to climate control compared to the PA's

Israeli startups make significant contributions to cimate control while the PA blames Israel for its own preventable environmental failures.

Metal pollution: If it's in the air, it'll end up in our bones

Lead found in 12,000-year-old skeletons reflects increasing rates of lead production, toxic exposure, Hebrew University study finds.

Can 'smog tower' rid New Delhi of pollution?

Scientists are questioning whether the project will pollute other areas of the country.

Where's 99% of ocean plastic 'missing'?

The question of where a majority of plastic debris in the world's oceans is stacked away continues puzzling researchers.

Sale of fresh fish halted over Mediterranean pollution

Sale of fish banned due to tar pollution until it can be determined if there are harmful chemicals in the fish.

Blue dogs worry Russians

Russian residents have reported that dogs turn bright blue after roaming near an abandoned chemical factory.

Decreased air pollution amid coronavirus

Significant drop in air pollution levels recorded over summer months due to decreased activity during coronavirus pandemic.

Reclaiming Lag Ba'Omer

There is no halakhic significance to lighting bonfires, but there are strong halakhic injunctions to protect the environment.

Haredi group to leave Haifa?

Health Ministry report noting air pollution leads Gur rebbe to give followers blessing to leave northern stronghold.

Study: Living near busy streets increases cancer risk

UK study shows that living within 165 feet of a busy street increases risk of lung cancer 10%, hampers lung growth in children.

Electric buses hit Jerusalem streets

Jerusalem passengers on the 15 bus route from the Central Bus Station to Talpiot will be the first to experience greener buses.

Regavim calls on gov't to crack down on garbage burning in PA

Environmental hazards harm everyone, waste incineration must be dealt with properly, watchdog group says.

Houston channel closed due to cancer-causing cloud

US Coast Guard says channel will be reopened only after cloud of benzene dissipates.

Victory for Lod residents

Indictment filed against Arabs who severely damaged environment. Mayor Revivo: 'We'll stop phenomenon that harms all our quality of life'

50,000 visitors to Nature and Parks Authority sites

In particular, Authority notes thousands of hikers at northern water sites cleared for bathing, including Nahal Snir, Tel Dan, and more.

Watch: Infusing water into Golan rivers

Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Water Authority and Mekorot begin pumping clean water to Golan rivers to reduce pollutant concentrations.

Thousands of Israelis die each year from air pollution

Environmental Protection Minister pushes national plan to scrap diesel vehicles, reduce air pollution. 'If I save lives, it's all worth it.'

River of PA sewage flows through Samaria

Miles of sewage from Arab towns flows next to Trans-Binyamin highway.

Foamy stream turns out to be filled to the brim with soap

Environmental Protection Ministry fines factory for allowing massive amount of soap to flow into nearby river.

Israel shuts down illegal Arab garbage dump in Samaria

Civil Administration enforces law at pirate waste disposal site used to burn trash.

The unseen danger: How many Israelis die from air pollution?

Health report shows children consume pesticides while eating fruits and vegetables, Israel's desalinated water lacks magnesium and iodine.

'If pollution not treated we'll turn to courts'

Green Now demands all authorities handle pollution of Ayalon river near Givat Ze'ev, threaten appeal to courts if situation doesn't improve.

Israelis unite to fight garbage burning

Jews and Arabs band together in protest of Israeli government's refusal to punish those who burn garbage.

Jewish residents suffer as Samaria Arabs illegally burn trash

Arabs illegally dump garbage near Jewish town, burn trash at pirate landfill, causing air pollution for local Jews.

'Samaria residents deserve environmental quality'

Environmental Protection representatives visit pirate landfill in Samaria, witness horrendous pollution.

An ecological disaster in the Judean Desert

Acidic water leaks into Ashalim River and Judean Desert after a Rotem Fertilizers reservoir gets breached.

Government halts research on Haifa pollution

Health, Environment ministries say research investigating connection between Haifa pollution and higher morbidity needs to be redone.

Watch: Israel uses drones to crack down on Arab air pollution

Drones uncover illegal charcoal operation in Arab town. 'It harms the health of children, Israelis and Palestinians alike.'

Proposed bill: Travel together to work

Opposition MK suggests legalizing ridesharing as a way to reduce costs, pollution, and traffic jams.

Palestinian Authority pollutes Israeli water supply, again

PA pollution of river which flows into central Israel resumes two months after Civil Administration said it had been stopped.

Watch: How air pollution harms your body

Studies show that air pollution can cause long-term damage to the body.

Haifa Port hit with 2.2 million shekel fine

Israel's largest port punished by Environmental Protection Ministry for disregard of air pollution laws.

New study links pollution to strokes

New study shows those under 55 who live in polluted areas at greater risk of stroke.

Rain could cause problems after fires

Expert on forest fires warns that rainwater could cause severe pollution in urban areas where there is much ash and debris from fires.

'We will put an end to the silent murder of Israelis'

Likud MK warns massive air pollution from illegal charcoal production in the Palestinian Authority is poisoning thousands of Israelis daily.

Yom Kippur holiday an environmental blessing, says EPA

Pollution levels plummet by 90% across Israeli cities as Jews refrain from driving or working on holiest day in Jewish calendar.

'Government abandoning citizens to Arab pollution'

Knesset committee discusses air pollution in Samaria caused by illegal Arab burning of trees. 'Every day is like breathing on Lag Ba'Omer'.

Gaza sewage threatens Israeli beaches

Environmental groups warn Gaza water pollution could shut down Israeli beaches, spread disease.

Gaza sewage floods into Israel, threatening water supply

As Gaza dumps millions of gallons of raw sewage daily into the ocean, Israeli beaches and water facilities are overwhelmed by the pollution.

Study shows birth defects result of Haifa air pollution

Due to high levels of air pollution babies are born 20-30 percent smaller and with smaller heads. Also cause for high rate of cancer.