Massive Waste Fires Near Israel Cause Billions in Damage, Health Concerns

Residents in Harish and other communities in northern Israel and along the seam line are suffering from severe air pollution and noxious odors caused by the widespread burning of waste, primarily Palestinian waste, in unregulated sites. The phenomenon, which residents describe as a daily reality, leads to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, and respiratory problems. In 2022 alone, approximately 422,000 tons of mixed Palestinian waste were burned in unregulated sites in Judea and Samaria, with about 180,000 tons originating from 77 sites that caused significant pollution beyond the Green Line. This issue stems from a lack of proper waste treatment facilities and the high cost of disposal, making burning the cheapest and easiest option.

The problem is not confined to one area. Harish residents are affected by fires near Barta'a, Zichron Yaakov by smoke from the Furaydis area, and Nof HaGalil by fires near Nazareth. In the central region,נעלין is identified as a major source affecting Modi'in, Shoham, and surrounding areas. Southern Mount Hebron has also seen years of electronic waste burning, often to extract metals. The uncontrolled burning of plastics, tires, household waste, and electronics releases fine particles and toxic substances, including dioxins, which are linked to immune and hormonal system damage and cancer.

Between 2017 and 2022, over 50,000 complaints were filed by Israelis regarding air pollution and odors from waste fires in Judea and Samaria, many reporting breathing difficulties. In 2025, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut led in reports to the "Citizens for Clean Air" hotline with 2,466 complaints, followed by Rosh Ha'ayin and Shoham. Harish also consistently ranks high in complaint numbers.

The government faces jurisdictional challenges, as fires within Israel can be handled by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, police, and local authorities. However, many pollution sources affecting communities along the seam line are in Judea and Samaria, where responsibility is divided among the Civil Administration, security forces, and police. The State Comptroller has previously highlighted this lack of coordination as a major obstacle to effective treatment.

Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman and her ministry have introduced a plan to improve enforcement, manage waste sites, and establish regulated disposal and recycling infrastructure in Judea and Samaria. However, the plan's success depends on budgets, personnel, and inter-agency cooperation. Long-term solutions include establishing sorting and treatment facilities, landfills, and transfer stations, as well as waste-to-energy plants. Enforcement tools have also been expanded, allowing for the immediate confiscation of vehicles and equipment used for illegal waste dumping and burning in Judea and Samaria.

The State Comptroller has labeled the issue a "long-standing failure," estimating cumulative damages to health, environment, economy, and agriculture could reach approximately 9.1 billion shekels by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, residents continue to bear the immediate health and quality-of-life costs.