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Eli Cohen addresses agricultural concerns as high seawater turbidity shuts down most of Israel's desalination facilities

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen stated that a natural phenomenon not seen in Israel for 20 years caused high seawater turbidity, leading to the shutdown of most desalination facilities starting Monday morning. The Water Authority clarified that while household water supplies continue, authorities have instructed a reduction in public landscaping and agricultural activities to manage the usage. Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Director-General Oren Lavi noted that the shutdown threatens irreversible damage to crops and livestock, particularly in the South and Ramat Hanegev regions. To mitigate the impact, the ministry is working with the Water Authority and Mekorot to prioritize farms with immediate danger and provide temporary water tankers to affected dairy farms. The Israel Farmers Federation and the Moshavim Movement warned that the disruption threatens food security and the livelihoods of the family-owned farms. Ramat Hanegev Regional Council head Eran Doron reported an immediate threat to approximately 20,000 dunams of vegetable crops in the Nitzana region. The State Comptroller’s Office has previously issued reports regarding the management of desalination facilities and water sector preparedness.

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