Environmental Group Files Lawsuit to Demolish Illegal Construction at Netanya's Blue Bay Beach

A large illegal construction site spanning approximately 1,400 square meters near the waterline at Blue Bay Beach in Netanya has prompted legal action by the environmental organization Adam Teva V'Din. The group claims the site severely damages the coastal environment and restricts public access along the beach. Despite opposition, local authorities previously approved a separate large-scale development on nearby agricultural land.

Adam Teva V'Din recently filed a petition with the Central District Court against multiple bodies including the Netanya Local Planning and Building Committee, the Regional Planning Committee, the Israel Land Authority, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the landowner. The petition demands the demolition of all illegal structures and restoration of public access to the beach. It highlights significant erosion of the coastal cliff and beach strip caused by the construction, which sometimes blocks passage during winter when water reaches the site.

The petition also notes a risk of cliff collapse in the area, referencing a partial collapse near Blue Bay in late 2025. Attorney Ortal Senker of Adam Teva V'Din described the case as one of the most severe instances of public beach encroachment encountered by the organization, with illegal construction dating back to the 1980s and expanding over time. She criticized local authorities for insufficient enforcement and alleged attempts to legalize the unauthorized development, all at the expense of the public and environment.

The organization seeks a court order to halt commercial use of the site and restore the coastal area to public use. No defense filings have been submitted yet. The case underscores growing concerns over coastal preservation amid population growth, rising temperatures, and sea level rise in Israel.