Jet Ski Driver Fined Record 15,000 Shekels for Reckless Lake Kinneret Driving

A jet ski operator has been fined 15,000 shekels by the Tiberias Magistrate's Court for severe navigation violations on the Sea of Galilee, known locally as Kinneret. The newspaper Israel Hayom reported that this penalty is unprecedentedly large for such an offense. The indictment stated that in June 2026, the man operated his jet ski at speeds exceeding five knots and performed dangerous maneuvers approximately 15 meters from the shore. He then entered the coastal area with a passenger and subsequently towed two people on an inflatable ring. The court determined that his actions created a hazardous situation for both his passengers and swimmers. Failure to pay the fine will result in a 75-day jail sentence. Additionally, the court ruled that if the driver commits a similar offense within three years, he will face an additional 5,000 shekel fine. The Kinneret Municipal Association announced its intention to intensify efforts against dangerous water conduct. Since June, the zone within which violations can lead to criminal proceedings has been expanded from 50 to 100 meters from the shore.