New Plan to Reduce Air Pollution in Ashdods Industrial Zone
Israel's government approved a NIS 32 million plan to significantly reduce air pollution and odors in Ashdod's northern industrial zone.
Jerusalem, 11 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The government of Israel approved the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s proposal to reduce air pollution and odors in the northern industrial zone in Ashdod.
The national plan includes an investment of approximately 32 million Shekels ($10.7 million) and targets for reducing emissions by up to 56%. The plan also includes expanding supervision and monitoring, addressing odor hazards, promoting clean transportation, improving transparency for the public, and establishing advanced environmental infrastructure.
The Northern Industrial Zone in Ashdod is one of the central and complex industrial zones in Israel, explained The Ministry. It is home to a refinery, power plants, chemical and recycling plants, seaports, fuel farms, wastewater treatment facilities, and prominent transportation infrastructure.
According to The Ministry of Environmental Protection’s 2024 Environmental Emissions Registry data, the area is characterized by the highest emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Israel and ranks second in the country in emissions of substances suspected of being carcinogenic or known to be so. In addition, in recent years, thousands of public inquiries have been received from residents of the area about odor hazards and air pollution in the area.
