Arson at Wastewater Plant Causes Environmental Hazard in Negev

Criminals are suspected of intentionally setting fire to the electrical room of the Neve Midbar water corporation's wastewater treatment facility in the Negev, causing its collapse. A fire investigator determined the blaze was likely arson, with diesel fuel and tires found at the scene. The incident has led to all wastewater from the Hebron stream now flowing towards Be'er Sheva, posing a severe odor hazard to several communities including Al-Qusom, Omer, Bnei Shimon, and Eshkol. The environmental protection ministry estimates repairs could take weeks.

Officials from the water corporation attribute the arson to extortion attempts, stating the corporation refused to pay criminals. They described a pattern of vandalism and sabotage, including previous incidents at pumping stations in Tel Sheva, where wastewater has been flowing untreated for a month. "When we catch the criminals, it's hard to prove the offense. A day, two days, a week, and they are released home - and return to take revenge," a corporation representative stated.

The environmental protection ministry confirmed the plant's shutdown, resulting in approximately 30,000 cubic meters of raw sewage per day flowing into the Hebron and Be'er Sheva streams. They advised downstream municipalities to inform residents of potential odor issues and to maintain distance from the streams until repairs are completed.

The Water Authority condemned the incident, noting that the facility's infrastructure damage has caused sewage to flow into the Be'er Sheva stream. They are coordinating with the Neve Midbar corporation on emergency measures, including pre-treatment facility operations and a temporary bypass line using generators to prevent further overflow.

Be'er Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich criticized the state's inability to combat criminal gangs affecting residents' quality of life, calling it a failure of governance and deterrence. He referenced a report by former State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman from April, which warned of a "lack of governance" in the Negev, impacting law enforcement deterrence, public safety, and trust in state institutions, with significant economic consequences.