Neve Yam Beach Near Atlit Becomes Israel’s Largest Summer Tent Settlement Amid Controversy

During the hottest month of the year, Neve Yam beach near Atlit transforms into a sprawling tent city known locally as the "zula city," attracting thousands of young Israelis who camp along the four-kilometer stretch between the Binyamin Nature Reserve and Kibbutz Neve Yam. Despite lacking electricity and running water, this pristine coastal area has become the most sought-after summer real estate, with tents and makeshift shelters covering the entire beach.

Young visitors like 18-year-old Tamara and her friends gather here to socialize and enjoy a sense of freedom away from home, where summer often means work and limited leisure. High school students such as Idan and Yuval describe the beach as a place to disconnect from screens and experience simplicity, while others, including discharged soldiers, organize weeks-long gatherings to celebrate and bond. The tents require significant effort to set up and maintain, with campers managing their own food, cleaning, and logistics.

However, the phenomenon has also sparked criticism and regulatory challenges. Local authorities, including the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council and the Israel Land Authority, have imposed restrictions on camping, banning generators, refrigerators, and commercial rentals of tents. Enforcement efforts have led to dismantling of some setups, especially those operating as businesses renting out multiple tents. Environmental concerns are significant, with tens of tons of waste accumulating after busy weekends, including abandoned structures and biological waste, leading some residents to dub the area the "poop strip."

Longtime visitors recall how the beach camping culture evolved from small bonfires and sparse tents to a dense, vibrant community. Some locals capitalize on the demand by renting tents for hundreds of shekels per night, while others emphasize the importance of respecting the environment and cleaning up after themselves. Despite the challenges, many campers find the beach a vital space for personal reflection and social connection, with some describing it as a place to recharge before returning to the pressures of daily life.

Authorities continue to conduct clean-up operations and enforce regulations to balance public access, environmental protection, and the campers’ desire for freedom. The future of the "zula city" remains uncertain as the summer wanes, with calls for clearer rules and cooperation between campers and officials to preserve the beach for all.