The government has approved the Minister of Environmental Protection’s proposal: a national plan for addressing demolition waste from operation “Rising Lion”

The Israeli government-approves-national-program-for-solar-roofing-of-public-sports-facilities/” class=”auto-internal-link”>government today (July 20) approved Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman’s proposal to establish a national steering committee. This committee will centralize the effort to address the extensive demolition waste generated by ‘Rising Lion’. The decision aims to provide an urgent response to the environmental and health challenge, enabling efficient, safe, and sustainable removal and treatment of waste to accelerate the rehabilitation of affected areas.

Initial assessments by the Ministry of Environmental Protection indicate that between 500,000 and 800,000 tons of demolition waste were generated across the country as a result of the operation. This waste, comprising debris from buildings and infrastructure, poses a genuine threat. Improper handling could lead to dumping in open areas, contaminating soil and water sources, and harming public health due to the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos.

Under this decision, a steering committee will be established, chaired by the Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. It will include the Director General of the Ministry of Interior, the Chairman of the Union of Local Authorities in Israel, and the Chairman of the Federation of Regional Councils. The steering committee’s chairman will report to the government every six months on the progress of the decision’s implementation.

The committee will serve as an integrating and coordinating body, rather than an executive one, and will be entrusted with a series of key tasks:

1. Developing a national plan: Formulating a recommendation for a comprehensive plan, including quantitative targets for recycling and recovery, to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
2. Removing Obstacles: Identifying and addressing bureaucratic, regulatory, and planning hurdles to facilitate rapid solutions.
3. Providing Professional Assistance to Local Authorities: Offering professional guidance and consultation to local authorities in developing work plans and implementing the Ministry’s professional directives for waste management, including waste containing hazardous materials.
4. Data Consolidation and Oversight: Examining the need for and recommending the establishment of a centralized information system (GIS) to track waste quantities and treatment status, along with a top-tier oversight mechanism for implementing directives on the ground.

To enable rapid action, the decision provides local authorities with an immediate operational tool: it references the Ministry of Interior’s approval from March 24, 2025, which permits authorities to contract with the winning bidders of the Company for Economy and Management’s tender (PA/21/2024) for waste collection and removal.

Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman: “The Ministry of Environmental Protection is acting swiftly and responsibly to prevent the environmental crisis that could arise from the extensive amount of demolition waste. The plan approved today is a crucial pillar in restoring national resilience, while safeguarding the environment and public health. The Ministry will continue to collaborate with all government ministries to ensure professional, responsible, and safe regulation, aiming to guarantee environmentally sound management of demolition waste.”

Rami Rosen, Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and designated Chairman of the Steering Committee: “Our mission is clear: to provide local authorities, who are at the forefront of this effort, with the professional and organizational support needed to tackle this challenge. The committee will ensure that waste removal and treatment are not only swift, but also safe, environmentally sound, and sustainable. We will work in full cooperation with all partners to guarantee a genuine and proper rehabilitation of the home front.”