In the wake of an Israel Hayom report on Tuesday that some 3,500 tons of waste have been illegally dumped in the Bnei Shimon Regional Council in the northern Negev Desert, council head Nir Zamir spoke with Israel Hayom to expand on the severity of the situation.
"This is ecological terrorism," Zamir said. "We're talking about illegal waste, mountains of which can be seen in almost all corners of the Negev. Whether it's domestic waste, construction waste, or from factories – it is a growing environmental hazard which, if it isn't handled seriously right now, will make it almost impossible to live in the area in 20 years without being directly harmed by it."
According to Zamir, the Finance Ministry, Interior Minister, and Environmental Protection Ministry, and the Israel Police must work together to confront the phenomenon.
"The problem will only start being solved through inter-ministerial action with an organized work plan that includes the school system, greater enforcement and waste removal. Additionally, it's imperative to have a suitable annual budget that can give a financial backbone to the various elements fighting this grave problem. I believe the government has the ability to fix the situation. The solution depends on the ability to focus all the various bodies on one job," Zamir said.
He added: "Once all the various elements understand we are all responsible for turning the Negev into an Israeli pearl, the cooperation between all sides will improve and the war on this phenomenon will be far more effective."
Ortal Perelman Shmueli, a former city councilwoman in Bersheeba and activist in the Committee to Save the Negev, also addressed the Israel Hayom report.
"The most under-represented part of the country has become the State of Israel's backyard – in terms of violence, crime, protection, unruly driving, and now illegal waste scattered all over the place. The Negev comprises 60% of Israel's sovereign territory and is treated like excess baggage. The time has come to change priorities and think about our future generations in the Negev and in general. The people of Israel are losing the Negev, and we will all lament it," said Shmueli.
MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party, said: "It's not just collecting protection money anymore or illegal construction and wild driving on the roads that puts lives in danger. Segments of the Bedouin sector also dirty and pollute our country and the Negev is drowning in garbage. What do they care? As far as they're concerned the country can burn and they do whatever they want. The Israel Police needs to wake up, put things in order in the country and enhance enforcement. I will turn to the relevant bodies and demand this intolerable situation is changed. Enough is enough."
