12:30 IL: Environmental Ministry officials are working to determine the cause of a foul odor that began spreading over the Gush Dan area about an hour ago. An increasing number of residents are phoning and complaining of burning in their eyes and throats.

Police are speculating the cause may be a new gas drilling site in the Ashdod area but this is not yet confirmed.

Environmental experts are conducting tests to determine the nature of the offensive agent and most importantly, to rule out any health threats.

12:55 IL: It appears the foul odor is from a natural methane site near Nitzanim. Environmental experts report there is no danger to the general public but people with respiratory ailments may be challenged by the odor and accompanying irritation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)