Wastewater Treatment Plant Fire Halts Operations, Threatens Southern Israel Waterways

A fire that broke out early Friday morning at the "Shuqet" wastewater treatment facility in the Negev has shut down operations, causing approximately 30,000 cubic meters of raw sewage to flow into the Hebron River. The contaminated water is continuing its path into the Beer Sheva and Besor rivers, potentially reaching the Tzalim Bridge area in the Eshkol Regional Council. Repairs are expected to take weeks.

Investigators suspect arson, with unidentified individuals allegedly arriving at the facility around 4 a.m., throwing tires, and setting them ablaze. The "Neve Midbar" water and sewage corporation reported the incident to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and police have launched an investigation.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest the fire may be linked to recent extortion attempts against the corporation, where individuals demanded "protection money." These demands reportedly ceased after the issue was reported to the Beer Sheva police, but fears are rising that they have resumed. The corporation's CEO is reportedly under close security protection due to safety concerns, though a direct link between the extortion and the arson has not yet been proven.

The Shuqet facility serves both Jewish and Bedouin communities, including Hura, Tel Sheva, Meitar, and settlements in the southern Hebron region. Initial estimates place the damage to the facility in the millions of shekels. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has warned downstream communities, including Al-Kasom, Omer, Bnei Shimon, Beer Sheva, and Eshkol, of potential odor nuisances and advised residents to stay away from the river until the sewage flow is stopped. Concerns also include the potential for mosquito breeding. The Eshkol Regional Council warned that odor problems are expected along the entire flow path, particularly near Tzalim Bridge.