Northern Israel Residents Suffer From Severe Air Pollution Due to Landfill Fires

Residents in northern Israeli towns, including Nof HaGalil, Harish, and Zichron Yaakov, are experiencing severe air pollution and health issues, such as headaches and weakness, due to smoke from burning landfills and illegal waste dumping sites. The smoke, described as black or gray and rising high into the atmosphere, is carried by the wind into populated areas, forcing residents to keep windows closed and use air purifiers.

One Nof HaGalil resident expressed such distress over the persistent smell of burning waste that he is considering moving, despite loving his current home. He regularly witnesses fires in the Mash'ad area, which he reports to the fire department and police. However, even after authorities report fires as extinguished, the smoke and smell often continue, indicating a lack of effective resolution.

In Harish, residents have adapted their daily routines to the times when the smell is most prevalent, often closing and sealing windows in the evenings. The smell, which some describe as resembling burning plastic, comes from the east. Residents are frustrated by the lack of a systemic solution and the feeling that authorities are not adequately addressing the problem.

Similar conditions are reported in Zichron Yaakov, where residents feel helpless against the constant pollution. A resident there attributes her ongoing headaches and weakness to the poor air quality. The problem affects not only Jewish communities but also Arab towns located near the fires, as residents in both sectors do not want their children exposed to toxic fumes.

Yaniv Bleicher, Director General of the "Citizens for Clean Air" organization, stated that Harish has recently seen a high volume of complaints. He identified fire sources in the Barta'a and Baqa areas, including "beyond the green line," as contributors to the smoke affecting the region. He also noted pollution affecting Zichron Yaakov and other northern areas like Nazareth, Tur'an, Kafr Kanna, and the Shfaram region.

Bleicher explained that the causes of the fires vary, including irregular waste collection leading to accumulation, and intentional burning to save on disposal costs or reduce volume. He emphasized that some municipalities are functioning well but struggle with illegal dumping, while others face financial and managerial challenges, and sometimes threats from criminal groups. The organization has collected approximately 25,000 reports of various pollutions over two and a half years, though this may not represent distinct incidents. Bleicher called for increased oversight, more inspectors, and better waste processing infrastructure to combat the issue.

The Israel Police stated that the Ministry of Environmental Protection's "Green Police," responsible for environmental law enforcement, is taking measures against these phenomena, sometimes in conjunction with the police. They confirmed that environmental violations are investigated, and sanctions are applied to those who illegally dump waste.