For anyone living in Eretz Yisrael it is clear that concerns over water are serious and genuine, no less than the military threats that occupy the IDF’s top generals. International experts predict that the ‘big war’ in the region between Israel and her neighbors will not be over territory, but over water, the most precious and limited resource.
The primary water source for the Kinneret is the Jordan River, which is fed from the Banias, the Dan and the Hasbani River. The Dan and Banias are in Israel, so controlling those sources is not problematic for Israel. However, a considerable portion of the Hasbani is north of the border, and therefore it can be directly targeted by Lebanon or via Syria.
The main water source for the Hasbani is about three kilometers (1.8 miles) north of Israel’s border in the Shebaa Farm area of Lebanon. Israel first complained about a decade ago after detecting ongoing work which officials feared was intended to redirect the flow of at least a portion of the water. Following Israeli objections, the work was halted and Israeli fears were abated.
Now however, Israel is growing increasingly concerned as a resort village is being constructed on 40 dunam (10 acres) on the west back of the Hasbani, a resort which will include dozens of vacation tzimmerim, pools and other buildings. Israeli experts have two primary fears, that the water may be redirected in part and that the sewage from the resort will be dumped into the water source and thereby contaminate that source of water which is essential to Israel.
Lebanese officials responding to Israeli concerns are quick to assure Israel the resort village will be environmentally friendly and even the construction will not compromise the water source in any way. According to the resort’s manager, Halil Abdullah, quoted in the daily Yediot Achronot, Israeli concerns are baseless and tourism officials are simply afraid the presence of the resort village which symbolizes peace and tranquility “since Israel is uninterested in peace”.
The report concludes that the Lebanese Army, which fears “escalated tensions in the region”, has ordered a halt to the construction but Israel believes this is only a temporary move and the situation remains under the watchful eye of those responsible.
The IDF Spokesman reports the construction in that area is unauthorized and as such, the matter is under investigation.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
1. If water was a problem the Israeli could save a great deal through conservation. That means not growing crops better suited to areas that get more rain. Fewer lawns and parks. Etc.
2. If water is scarce, the price will rise. If it rise, desalinazation will become cost efficient.