Jerusalem, 1 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Farmers Association is warning that ongoing water cuts are threatening Israeli agriculture and food security. After desalination plants resumed operations overnight Tuesday, the Water Authority and Energy and Infrastructure Ministry said most were shut down again because of increased seawater turbidity.
The association said, “The cessation of water supplies to agriculture threatens the food security of Israel’s residents and hundreds of agricultural farms.” It called on the government to provide an immediate solution and compensation.
Amit Yifrah, secretary-general of the Moshavim Movement and chairman of the Israel Farmers Association, and Or Dorman, secretary-general of the association, appealed to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter, and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen.
They called for immediate action to address the ongoing disruption to fresh water supplies for farms in the Lowlands, Judean Hills, Negev and Arava during the growing season.