Israel Finds Widespread PFAS Contamination in Multiple Soil Sites Across Country

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection is conducting extensive soil surveys to detect PFAS contamination at suspected sites nationwide. According to the government's response to a Supreme Court petition filed by the environmental group Adam Teva V'Din, active PFAS pollution was found in four out of six fully tested locations, with contamination also detected in eight of 21 sites currently being sampled. The surveys include areas slated for development such as Herzliya Airport, Sirkhin, Pi Glilot, and Tzahal Ashkelon.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of industrial chemicals known for their heat and water resistance, commonly found in grease-resistant surfaces, plastic containers, and firefighting foams. Their chemical stability makes them persistent in the environment and organisms, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been linked to immune system disorders, hormonal changes, reproductive issues, and increased risks of certain cancers.

The contamination primarily originates from sites with prolonged use of firefighting foams, which were never banned or properly disposed of in Israel, leading to widespread soil and water pollution and the closure of 18 water wells. The Ministry began soil surveys last year, revealing contamination at previously cleared sites such as Sde Dov Airport, fuel farms at Ben Gurion Airport, and the Eshkol power station in Ashdod, where soil removal and containment measures were implemented.

Additional polluted sites include Tzahal Ashkelon, Orot Rabin power station, and several military and industrial locations like Ramat David Airbase, Hagit West power plant, and Sirkhin camp. Investigations continue at nine plots at Sde Dov and other sites including the Israel Aerospace Industries at Ben Gurion Airport, Pi Glilot, and Herzliya Airport. Future surveys are planned for northern industrial plants, firefighting training grounds, and power stations.

Meirav Avdi, regulatory director at Adam Teva V'Din, criticized the government's slow response, stating that despite ongoing legal proceedings since 2022, contamination continues to spread unchecked. She warned that the pollution could affect tens of thousands of housing units in central Israel, with severe health and environmental consequences.