Israeli agriculture at risk ahead of High Holy Days as desalination systems remain nonfunctional
The Water Authority and the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry said Tuesday morning that after the facilities operated overnight, most were shut down again after seawater turbidity rose.
Seawater turbidity has forced most of Israel's water desalination facilities to shut down, raising concerns about the potential harm to crops and disruptions to food production, particularly in the south. The Water Authority and the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry issued instructions to limit water usage due to the shutdown. Minister Eli Cohen stated that this is a natural phenomenon not seen in Israel in the past 20 years and urged the activation of additional desalination facilities to ensure water supplies.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, led by Director-General Oren Lavi, is prioritizing areas where agricultural farms are impacted, working with the Water Authority and Mekorot to restore water supplies for farms facing risks to crops and livestock. The Ramat Hanegev area, especially Nitzana region, has reported significant damage to extensive agricultural fields and greenhouses.
The Israel Farmers Federation has demanded an immediate solution and compensation for the threat to food security and the livelihood of hundreds of family-owned farms.
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