Israel Approves Algae Experiment Without Full Protocol Amid Water Crisis

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection did not produce a formal protocol for the committee meeting that approved an experimental attempt to eliminate algae threatening desalination facilities, citing time pressure due to the severity of the water crisis. The experiment, involving the release of chemicals near desalination plants, has so far failed to reduce water turbidity, with algae continuing to bloom and disrupt operations. The Ministry of Energy insists the water supply remains fully functional, but the duration and consequences of the crisis are uncertain.

In late August, an unusual algae bloom shut down five of Israel's six major desalination plants, triggering a national water supply crisis. In response, an inter-ministerial committee, led by the Environmental Protection Ministry with representatives from the Health and Agriculture ministries, authorized an experiment by the company "Bloggerin" to disperse chemicals at sea to combat the algae. Water Authority and "Bloggerin" led the operation, releasing chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency along a 9-kilometer stretch, one kilometer offshore from Ashkelon.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection issued an approval letter to "Bloggerin," but it did not specify the chemicals used. The ministry has not yet provided the full permit detailing the substances allowed for dispersal. Following the dispersal, the Health Ministry's food surveillance unit recommended a complete ban on fishing in the treated area due to concerns about acute and chronic toxicity and potential contaminant accumulation in fish tissues. However, the Water Authority and Ministry of Energy dismissed these concerns, stating that bathing beaches are safe and there is no public health risk.

The lack of a formal protocol for the committee's decision raises questions about proper governance and transparency. Without a record of the considerations, reservations, or opinions presented, public and parliamentary oversight is hindered. The committee approved the chemical dispersal on September 2nd, requiring "Bloggerin" to document the process via drone for 48 hours post-dispersal to monitor effectiveness and any fish mortality. Monitoring results have not yet been released to the public.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that due to the emergency nature of the crisis and the urgent request from the Water Authority for emergency solutions, the committee convened under extreme time constraints. Consequently, a full transcript was not made, but the official decision document reflects the professional discussion and the unanimous decision, including the stipulated conditions and limitations.