Following the presentation of the Strategic Plan for Treating Cross-Border Nuisances brought forth by the ministry of Environmental Protection at the beginning of November, the Ministry is now activating a series of immediate measures on the ground to deal with the nuisances. The actions will be carried out on the ground by the Staff Officer for Environmental Quality in Judea and Samaria (J&S), under close supervision by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Idit Silman, Minister of Environmental Protection: “Waste fires in Judea and Samaria are not just a local problem – they are a national nuisance affecting the air quality of us all. Judea and Samaria will no longer be the environmental backyard of the State of Israel. Alongside promoting the Strategic Plan in accordance with Government Resolution 592, which the Ministry led, we are now proceeding to implement immediate measures with a significant budget of 35.7 million ₪: strengthening enforcement, close supervision, and immediate treatment of nuisances – for the health and safety of Israel’s residents. The State of Israel will not bear the costs resulting from the poor environmental conduct of the Arab population in J&S, and therefore we demanded from the Civil Administration and the Ministry of Finance the offset of the Palestinian Authority’s funds for the costs of rehabilitation, transport, and waste treatment. Until this is carried out, we will transfer an emergency budget for this action”.
The Ministry continues to lead the Strategic Plan for a comprehensive treatment of waste nuisances and fires in J&S, which stemmed from the proposal for a decision on treating cross-border pollution. The plan provides a systemic and orderly response to one of the most severe environmental challenges in the region, which directly harms air quality and public health.
As part of a discussion held (November 18) with the Civil Administration, the Ministry and the Minister of Environmental Protection decided to immediately fund the following, as detailed below:
- Operation of the “David” Enforcement Unit, a dedicated unit operating at crossings – 12 million ₪ for 2026
- Support for the supervision and rehabilitation of the Al-Minya Waste Disposal Site (WDS) – 550 thousand ₪
- Continued operation of heavy machinery during 2026 – 4.7 million ₪
- A dedicated prosecutor and inspector for leveraging legal proceedings and strengthening enforcement – 1.5 million ₪ (to be submitted for approval by the J&S Cleanliness Fund.)
- Improvement and management of waste landfilling in J&S – 17 million ₪ for preventing pirate waste fires and air pollution. Thereafter, this item will be funded by offsetting the Palestinian Authority’s funds, according to an arrangement with the Ministry of Finance and the Civil Administration (to be submitted for approval by the J&S Cleanliness Fund.)
- Integration of the J&S District of Fire and Rescue Services to reinforce the treatment of nuisances and the extinguishing of waste fires, and assistance in prevention activities on the ground.
Beyond the immediate steps, the Ministry is advancing the proposal for a decision according to Government Resolution 592, which includes:
- New Legislation – Nine legislative texts that will strengthen supervision and enforcement powers and increase fines
- Enforcement and Environmental Security – Expansion of the enforcement array in Areas B and C in coordination with security bodies and the establishment of a permanent team to accompany enforcement actions
- Unified Reporting Center – Establishment of a 24/7 center in cooperation with Fire Services, the Civil Administration, and the Israel Police
- Advanced Environmental Infrastructure – Establishment of the Ramon Site for sorting, treatment, and landfilling, Waste-to-Energy facilities, transfer stations, and organic waste treatment sites
- Monitoring and Public Health – Expansion of the air monitoring array in J&S, establishment of three new stations, and continuous health monitoring
- International Cooperation – Activity with donor countries to promote environmental projects for preventing cross-border nuisances
The Ministry of Environmental Protection will continue to act decisively, using all tools at its disposal, until the eradication of waste fires in Judea and Samaria and the assurance of a clean, safe, and healthy living environment for all residents of the area.
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