Israel Approves Water Increase for Agriculture Amid Drought Concerns

Israel's Water Authority Council has unanimously approved an increase of up to 15% in the supply of fresh water for agriculture in the national system for 2026. This decision comes in response to a severe drought and significant cuts in water allocations to farmers.

The measure, a joint effort by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Water Authority, will allow farmers to receive water beyond their licensed quotas, contingent on water source availability and infrastructure limitations. However, this additional water will initially be charged at the higher tariff for exceeding standard allocations. Both the Agriculture and Energy ministries are exploring options to provide at least a portion of this extra water at non-excess rates.

This approval follows a substantial reduction in fresh water allocated to agriculture this year. The Agriculture Ministry reported a drop in the national allocation from approximately 380 million cubic meters in 2025 to about 290 million cubic meters in 2026. In the Sea of Galilee region, allocations decreased from around 92 million cubic meters to approximately 60 million cubic meters.

Recent months saw 308 requests and appeals submitted to the Agriculture Ministry for additional water totaling about 35.8 million cubic meters. The ministry's mapping also identified allocation discrepancies of around 16 million cubic meters due to factors like quota transfers, partnerships, and new plantings.

Yuval Lifkin, head of the Food Security Administration at the Agriculture Ministry, stated that the decision provides farmers with needed flexibility after significant cuts and a harsh drought, allowing for adaptation to changing water needs while encouraging efficient use. Water Authority Director Yitzhak Lifshitz added that Israel's water economy faces complex climate challenges requiring responsible management, especially after recent drought years, and that the decision balances water source preservation with support for agriculture.

The decision was made on the same day a malfunction occurred at several desalination plants in southern Israel due to high turbidity in seawater. The plants have since resumed operations, and the water system has returned to normal.