Israel Plans New Power Plants, Airport Amid Local Opposition

The Israeli government has approved plans to advance the development of three new natural gas-fired power plants, each with a minimum capacity of 630 megawatts. One plant is planned near Jatt, another near Kibbutz Gan Shmuel, and the third near Kibbutz Palmahim. While these projects aim to increase electricity supply and competition, potentially creating jobs and revenue for local authorities, construction cannot begin until plans are submitted to and approved by the National Infrastructure Committee. If approved, the plants are expected to connect to the grid in the early 2030s. There is currently no guarantee that electricity tariffs will decrease, as they depend on overall production and supply costs.

Local authorities and residents in the Sharon region are expressing strong opposition to these infrastructure projects, citing environmental and health concerns, particularly regarding air pollution from nitrogen oxides. Planning documents require an assessment of the impact on the expansion possibilities of several communities, including Jatt and Gan Shmuel, and whether the plants and associated infrastructure will limit future residential development. However, no data has yet been presented to definitively conclude that property values will decline.

In parallel, the state is advancing a separate plan for a new light aviation airport east of Hadera, intended to replace the Herzliya airport. This plan has also met with fierce resistance from local authorities concerned about aircraft noise, reduced quality of life, and the loss of land reserves for construction. The proposed power plant near Gan Shmuel could also conflict with the airport plan, necessitating further aviation assessments.

This is not the first time local authorities in the Sharon have opposed power plant construction. In August 2025, the Kfar Saba municipality, the Drom HaSharon Regional Council, and Alfei Menashe petitioned the High Court of Justice against the construction of the Reindor power plant. The Mayor of Kfar Saba, Rafi Saar, called the plan's approval a "disgraceful decision," warning of security and environmental risks. A prolonged struggle is also underway in the Hadera area against the light aviation airport, with the High Court recently rejecting a request to halt planning discussions on the matter. The national need for increased electricity production is now weighed against the potential consequences for nearby communities, leaving residents awaiting planning decisions to understand the future of their living environment and property values.