Nevé Yam Beach Becomes Israel’s Largest Summer Tent Settlement Amid Growing Concerns

During the hottest month of the year, Nevé Yam beach near Atlit transforms into a sprawling tent city known as "the zulas," attracting thousands of young Israelis who camp without electricity or running water. Stretching about four kilometers along the Carmel coast, this once pristine beach has become the most sought-after summer real estate, with tents lining the entire shoreline from the Binyamin Nature Reserve to Kibbutz Nevé Yam, opposite the Leviathan gas rig.

Young visitors like 18-year-old Tamara and her friends gather here to socialize and enjoy a carefree atmosphere away from home responsibilities. Many, including high school students like Idan Alsar and Yuval Mornel, describe the experience as a last summer of freedom before military service, emphasizing the simplicity and camaraderie of life in the zulas. Others, such as soldiers on leave and groups from across Israel, invest significant effort in setting up and maintaining their camps, often sharing resources and cooking together.

However, the phenomenon has also spawned a commercial market where some locals build multiple zulas to rent out for hundreds of shekels per night, despite official prohibitions. The local Carmel Coast Regional Council allows camping only in designated areas with strict rules banning generators, refrigerators, and rentals, but enforcement is complicated by overlapping jurisdiction with the Israel Land Authority, which regularly conducts evictions.

Environmental and safety concerns are mounting as the beach suffers from severe littering, including abandoned structures and biological waste, earning the nickname "the poop strip" from residents. Cleanup operations have removed around 60 tons of trash in single efforts, yet the problem persists, especially after busy weekends. Authorities stress that the unauthorized camps damage the fragile coastal ecosystem and block public access.

Longtime visitors recall that the beach was once less crowded and more natural, but the surge in tents and parties has changed its character. Despite the challenges, many campers find the zulas a vital space for personal reflection and social connection. Some, like 22-year-old Uri Yeloveski, credit the beach with helping them make important life decisions. As August progresses, the future of this informal summer city remains uncertain amid calls for regulation and cleanup.