If you care about Israel’s wild places, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, we have incredible news to celebrate.

Thanks to decades of hard work, determination, and support from people like you, three major environmental victories were passed in the Knesset in a single week. Together, these new laws will clean up our land, protect our sea life, and give nature a stronger voice in future development.

Here is what was accomplished and why it matters so much for the future of Israel.

1. Stopping Construction Waste Before it Hits the Ground

Construction waste near Ashdod. Photo by Avner Rinot

For years, over a million tons of construction waste have been dumped illegally across Israel’s countryside every single year. Offender drivers had a 99.9% chance of getting away with it—leaving piles of dirt, concrete, and trash in our forests, streams, and valleys.

What changed: The new Maintenance of Cleanliness Law was officially passed. Instead of chasing down trucks after they dump trash, Israel will now track waste from the moment it is created. Haulers will only get paid through a secure government system after delivering the waste to an official, licensed site.

This law shuts down the financial incentive to pollute and protects our soil, groundwater, and scenic trails from becoming dumping grounds.

2. Shielding Our Marine Life from Destructive Trawl Fishing

Catch aboard a bottom trawler. Photo by Aviad Scheinin

Bottom-trawl fishing is one of the most damaging ways to fish. Large, heavy nets are dragged along the ocean floor, scooping up everything in their path. Every year, over 400,000 protected sea animals—including sea turtles, dolphins, and rare corals—get trapped by mistake.

What changed: The Knesset’s Economic Affairs Committee approved two vital new restrictions:

• Gas Pipeline Safety Zones: Trawl fishing is now banned near underwater natural gas pipes. This expands protected ocean areas by 5% and prevents catastrophic gas leaks. Today, 64% of Israel’s waters are off-limits to trawlers!
• Mandatory GPS Tracking: All fishing boats must now carry location trackers. If a boat enters a protected marine reserve or forbidden area, authorities will know immediately.

This brings Israel one step closer to our ultimate goal: ending bottom trawling in Israeli waters completely while supporting local fishermen with fair compensation.

3. Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

Mountain gazelle. Photo by Avi Tzudkevitch

Before big construction projects begin—like highways, housing developments, or industrial plants—planners are required to study how the project will affect local wildlife, water, and air. These reports are called Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

What changed: The rules surrounding these critical studies were strengthened. The updated laws ensure that environmental reviews are more thorough, transparent, and difficult for developers to bypass.

By keeping ecological science at the heart of planning decisions, Israel can build for the future without destroying the natural habitats that make this land unique.

Winning at the Final Hour

What makes these breakthroughs even more special is that they were achieved during the final days of the 25th Knesset — a notoriously challenging political time when time is short and major bills easily get pushed aside.

Despite the difficult political climate, SPNI’s team, our partners, and dedicated lawmakers refused to let nature be forgotten, successfully pushing all three measures across the finish line.

Together, We Are Guarding Israel’s Future

Major environmental change almost never happens overnight. These victories were the result of more than 20 years of persistent advocacy by SPNI, our partners, dedicated leaders, and supporters around the world.

Every time you share our stories or support our work, you help keep Israel’s mountains green, its beaches clean, and its waters teeming with life.

Thank you for standing with us and being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more victories ahead!