Ministry to Submit Proposal that Includes Budget for Immediate Rehabilitation of Israeli Beaches

Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel: "In the wake of the serious environmental incident that has befallen Israel in recent days - with tar blocks landing on the 160 km coastal strip from north to south, the Prime Minister and I agreed that the Ministry of Environmental Protection will urgently submit a proposal [to the government], in order to obtain its approval for a rehabilitation program for the shores of the Mediterranean and national preparation for marine and coastal pollution events. This decision-making proposal includes immediate budgets for rehabilitation and standards, and the promotion of the National Contingency Plan for Preparedness and Response to Combating Oil Pollution Law.

"We are focused on locating the ship responsible for the significant pollution and are receiving assistance from all international bodies. At the same time, we are working to ensure that the rehabilitation activities being conducted by local authorities and other responsible bodies will minimize damage and environmental and ecological impacts, and restore the status quo, in accordance with international standards. Our goal is to prevent as much environmental damage as possible from future events, including, among other things, in light of the widespread deployment of energy infrastructure in the maritime space, so that we can preserve public health and the environment, nature conservation, and prevention of environmental hazards."

The buget being considered will include funds for oversight of the rehabilitation activities, for which local authorities are responsible.