Israel Launches Tender for Largest Desalination Plant Despite Local Opposition
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By יובל אזולאי
First reported by Walla · Aug 26, 2026
What happened
Israel's Ministry of Finance has initiated an international tender for a major desalination plant in Emek Hefer, set to be the country's largest and among the world's biggest. Despite opposition from local authorities and environmental groups, the project aims to produce 400 million cubic meters of water annually and include a 300 MW natural gas power station. The tender process continues amid ongoing planning reviews, with construction expected to last seven years and the plant to operate under a 25-year public-private partnership.
- 01Israel launches tender for largest desalination plant in Emek Hefer despite local opposition.
- 02Project cost estimated at 5-6 billion shekels including a 300 MW natural gas power station.
- 03Plant will produce 400 million cubic meters of water annually, covering 40% of Israel's fresh water demand.
- 04Local council demands freeze on tender until planning objections are resolved.
- 05Facility located several kilometers inland, requiring extensive infrastructure and increasing costs.
- 06Tender follows public-private partnership model with 25-year operation and maintenance period.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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