Israel Halts Repair Work at Haifa Refinery Over Cancerous Benzene Levels

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has denied requests to resume repair work at the Gadiv factory, part of the Bazan Group in Haifa Bay, due to repeated violations of benzene concentration limits. The work, which began on October 9, was halted twice last month by the ministry following spikes in benzene, a known carcinogen, which also led to the closure of two local schools. Benzene, while common in urban environments from sources like vehicles and smoking, poses a public health risk at high concentrations typically linked to heavy industry or burning plastics.

The ministry stated that new guidelines, issued Wednesday, permit repairs only in facilities with low benzene levels, excluding the main Gadiv facility where levels remain high. "The ministry's responsibility is to ensure that maintenance work at the factory is carried out in the safest way possible for the public and the environment," said Doris Ziv, Director of the Haifa District at the Ministry of Environmental Protection. She emphasized that the ongoing benzene violations necessitate a reassessment of the work procedures, and current measures are insufficient.

Bazan considers the repairs essential for the factory's operation and Israel's strategic fuel reserves, especially after the facility sustained direct damage from an Iranian missile during Operation "Shattered Oats." Despite initial work stoppages on October 11 leading to a rapid decrease in benzene levels, sharp increases were recorded again on October 12, prompting school closures and public health warnings. Although the ministry allowed gradual resumption of work with additional filtering measures by October 18, a significant benzene increase on October 22 led to the prolonged shutdown of the facility, which continues to this day.

The ministry asserted it is acting responsibly towards Bazan and the work's needs but cannot permit further leaks. They will not allow operations in high-benzene facilities until a reassessment confirms safe execution, while maintaining ongoing professional dialogue with the factory's management.