Israel's Energy Minister Addresses Water Supply Issues Amid Desalination Plant Shutdown

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen addressed the public on Tuesday regarding water supply problems caused by the shutdown of desalination plants. He assured citizens that Israel has a robust water system and that regular supply to all homes nationwide would be maintained. The minister explained that a natural phenomenon, unprecedented in the last two decades, has significantly increased the turbidity of seawater, leading to the shutdown of most desalination facilities.

To compensate, Cohen stated that efforts are underway to increase pumping from wells and the Sea of Galilee. Additionally, approval has been granted for the operation of two more desalination plants to ensure water availability. He also noted that the supply of fresh water to agriculture and public gardens has been reduced at this time, with plans to potentially bring more desalination plants online later to support the agricultural sector.

Cohen expressed gratitude to the employees of Mekorot, the Water Authority, and the Ministry of Energy for their round-the-clock efforts to ensure continuous water supply.