Israeli State Comptroller Criticizes Government's Inadequate Climate Change Preparedness
State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman sharply criticized the Israeli government's handling of climate change preparedness in a report published on Tuesday. Despite two previous audits, most past deficiencies remain unaddressed. Israel still lacks a climate law, and the ministerial committee led by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, intended to coordinate climate efforts, has never convened. No government body oversees the billions of shekels allocated so far, and 89% of relevant ministries and agencies have no actionable, funded climate adaptation plans. The report warns Israel is unlikely to meet its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 27% by 2030, projecting only a 19% reduction, while most OECD countries aim for a 43% cut.
Englman emphasized that energy crises and extreme heat waves demand accelerated renewable energy development to bolster Israel's energy security. He stressed that climate adaptation cannot be sidelined even during wartime. Dr. Dov Hanin, chair of the Israeli Climate Forum, responded that the climate crisis is a strategic national threat that requires urgent preparation, criticizing the government for its slow response despite severe climate impacts expected in Israel and the Middle East.
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman and activists from organizations like Adam Teva V’Din and Zalul also condemned the government's minimal action and underfunded climate office. They warned of unprecedented economic and environmental damage without immediate, comprehensive measures. The report additionally highlighted government failure to address the declining Dead Sea water levels, despite recognition of the issue two decades ago. No national policy has been formulated, and the sea level continues to drop by 1.15 meters annually, causing worsening environmental, infrastructure, and tourism damage.
Eleven of twelve tourism projects approved seven years ago remain incomplete despite a budget of about 98 million shekels. Insurance companies exclude sinkhole damage, delaying infrastructure development. Several flood-prone points on Highway 90 remain unaddressed, causing repeated closures. The Comptroller urged the government to finalize Dead Sea stabilization policies, remove bureaucratic and insurance obstacles, and expedite critical projects.
Environmental groups called for embedding Dead Sea protection in concession laws, establishing restoration funds, and imposing strict limits on future damage. They warned that without these steps, the Dead Sea faces imminent ecological collapse. The report also referenced the emerging "Super El Niño" climate phenomenon expected to disrupt global weather patterns, underscoring the urgency of Israel's climate readiness.
