The Power of a Movement

Dear Friends,

The recent events in Haifa Bay, including the severe damage to the Bazan complex and the painful toll it has taken, bring our struggle for a cleaner and safer future in the Bay back to the forefront.

Years of joint efforts between Haifa Bay residents and environmental organizations have succeeded in leading to a historic national initiative: the advancement of a strategic plan for the rehabilitation of Haifa Bay, including the closure of the petrochemical industry at its core. Backed by a government decision, the plan dramatically transforms the Bay's purpose from a heavily polluted industrial zone into an area that integrates housing, employment, clean industry, and green spaces. It also reshapes the energy sector through the closure of refining activities in the Bay and a transition to imported refined fuels stored in a decentralized underground system.

The difficult events we experienced in the Bay at the start of the war with Iran, including the repeated direct hits of ballistic missiles on the Bazan refinery complex, the deaths of three workers, severe air pollution, and the complete shutdown of refinery operations and its subsidiaries, compel us to join forces once again. We must lead the call for the early and final closure of the Bazan complex and accelerate the timeline of the strategic plan.

At Life & Environment, together with the Haifa Bay Forum and the Cleaning Up Haifa Bay coalition, we are coordinating a joint campaign forum that is already active. A broad movement-wide dialogue meeting will be held soon to bring together as many partners as possible.

Our hearts are with the Bazan workers and the families of those who were killed. We hope for quieter days ahead, for an end to wars, and for the return of all hostages.

As Israel navigates ongoing uncertainty, the environmental movement continues to demonstrate strength, adaptability, and purpose. From landmark legal victories to critical policy wins and new support structures for organizations on the ground, recent weeks have highlighted the power of collective action.

 ⚡ In a Time of Crisis – A Major Step Forward for Renewable Energy and Energy Security

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel signed new regulations that mandate the installation of solar energy systems in new non-residential construction projects.

The regulations require photovoltaic (PV) systems to be installed on the rooftops of new non-residential buildings with roof areas larger than 250 square meters. In addition, ground-level residential units with roof areas over 100 square meters will be required to install a 5 kW PV system. New residential buildings with rooftops larger than 250 square meters will also be required to include infrastructure preparations for future PV installation.

This is a significant step forward that brings Israel closer to a clean energy future. The wider adoption of solar and energy storage systems will directly enhance public energy security, especially in times of emergency.

The Climate Forum dedicated extensive efforts to promoting the approval of this regulation, and we are proud to see these efforts bear fruit. 🌞

🌟 A Victory for the Environmental Movement!

Last year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection approved the construction of a polluting power station in Ashdod that would have used a technology emitting formaldehyde — a known carcinogen — at concentrations up to 300 times higher than current levels and in violation of the Clean Air Law.

Thanks to a determined campaign by local residents, environmental organizations, municipal authorities, and the Ashdod Cities Association, we succeeded in reducing the station’s permitted operating hours by a factor of four. However, the level of pollution remained unacceptable.

That’s when Green Course, Shomrei HaBayit, and local residents decided not to give up and filed a legal petition.

This week, we won. The Jerusalem District Court issued a landmark ruling, revoking the station’s emissions permit and affirming that the law requires the use of the cleanest and most advanced technologies available. Since the Clean Air Law was passed in 2008, its implementation has been distorted in ways that harmed public health.

This ruling changes that. It is a historic and emotional victory — and a clear message: the public is no fool. When we organize, persist, and act together, we can change reality. Slowly but surely, we as a civil movement are building power.

💬Supporting Environmental Organizations in Times of Crisis

In response to the current situation, Life & Environment has launched a series of initiatives to support environmental organizations during this time of uncertainty and strain. One key step has been the introduction of a weekly open-door meeting held with our Community Manager and members of the Life & Environment team, providing a consistent space for connection, sharing, and support.

Recognizing the emotional and operational toll of recent events — from direct impacts to the ongoing demands of community support — we are committed to being present for our partners not only in environmental action, but also as part of the civic fabric that sustains Israeli society in times of crisis.

As part of this commitment, we recently held a special session with Eran Ben Yemini, CEO of Life & Environment, and Uri, our Deputy Director for Entrepreneurship and Grants. The session focused on listening to emerging needs and identifying ways we can offer practical assistance and solidarity.

These weekly meetings have become an important tool in staying responsive, strengthening relationships across the movement, and ensuring that no organization faces these challenges alone.

💚 Thank You for Standing With Us

None of this would be possible without the continued support of our partners, allies, and community. Your trust and commitment empower us to keep pushing forward — even in the most challenging times.

Together, we are shaping a stronger, more resilient environmental movement and a better future for all.

With gratitude,

The Life & Environment Team