Environmental Issues Ignored in Election Campaigns Amidst Growing National Risks

Environmental concerns are largely absent from the Israeli election campaigns, despite significant challenges and potential national security implications. Civil society organizations have urged politicians to incorporate these issues, but their efforts have yet to yield substantial results. A brief surge of public attention occurred in late August when micro-algae clogged desalination facilities, threatening the water supply. However, as drinking water and agricultural irrigation were quickly restored, media focus shifted back to traditional security concerns like Iran, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians.

The algae incident highlighted ongoing problems, as desalination plants, which supply about 80% of Israel's drinking water, had not fully resumed operations a month later. The rapid decline in public discourse obscured uncertainties surrounding the professional handling of the incident, including emergency water pumping from the Sea of Galilee and underground reservoirs, and the decision to disperse copper sulfate near Ashkelon.

Broader environmental issues, such as untreated sewage potentially flowing from Gaza into the sea, further underscore the link between environmental protection and national security. The article suggests framing environmental issues as directly relevant to state security, potentially increasing their prominence in election discussions. This is particularly relevant given that the past two years have been the driest in a century for the Sea of Galilee, and the UN has declared a global state of "water bankruptcy."

Despite these challenges, some positive developments exist, such as the "Reverse Conduit" project pumping desalinated water into the Sea of Galilee. However, other critical issues like air pollution persist. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, air emissions, though decreasing since 2012, still contribute to approximately 5,500 premature deaths annually and expose the public to carcinogens, largely from illegal waste burning. The ministry's new National Climate Risk Portal reveals that many local authorities lack preparedness plans.

Land management also presents difficulties, with potential shortages of landfill space for waste from the Gush Dan region. While recycling rates remain low, there's a rise in the use of biodegradable disposable items, though concerns exist about misleading labeling. The author, a former diplomat and graduate of the IDF National Security College, argues that environmental protection must be considered an integral part of national security, urging the next government to reconsider the National Security Council's decision to cease managing the climate crisis.