The state has promised, the authorities are waiting for action.
Following the increase in air pollution, Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut Municipality demands that the state present a full action plan, with timetables and a budget, not just talk and statements.
After years of struggle by the Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut Municipality, along with other local authorities in the center, the coastal areas and Sharon, this week comes the first glimmer of recognition by the state, of the environmental consequences of the waste-burning fires in the territories of Judea and Samaria. Although on the ground, no real steps have yet been taken.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Finance and Minister of Defense, Bezalel Smotrich, announced that he had directed the formulation of a government plan to clear about 30 rogue waste sites in those areas. The municipality noted that despite the declaration, no timetables, clear budgets or implementation responsibilities were provided. This statement was made after numerous requests made on behalf of the Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut Municipality and other local authorities suffering from the pollution, as well as following a special meeting of the Knesset's Interior and Environmental Protection Committee on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, a meeting during which the heads of the authorities sharply criticized the government.
In a discussion in which representatives from the municipality also participated, it was stated that this is "environmental terrorism" for all intents and purposes. It was also stated in the discussion that the fires directly affect the quality of life and health of hundreds of thousands of residents, while causing serious ecological damage. It was also emphasized that the government's previous statements were not backed up by steps on the ground.
Mayor Haim Bibas: "The time has come for action, not declarations. For years we have been fighting, on behalf of the residents, who breathe smoke every day, against a phenomenon that can be compared to acts of environmental terrorism. Although there is now government recognition, it is not enough! We demand a clear and detailed work plan: timetables, allocation of a dedicated budget, immediate effective enforcement, responsibility and implementation by a single, defined and authorized entity. Without taking these actions, nothing will change. The residents of Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut and all surrounding communities deserve to live in clean air, it is not a privilege, it is a basic right. And we will not relent until this reality changes."
The municipality continues to make weekly appeals and reminders to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Environmental Protection, the Minister of Health, the Civil Administration and the IDF.
These steps accompany the operation of an air pollution monitoring station in the city. The station, which was placed at the corner of Adar and Heshvan streets, a location chosen after analyzing resident complaints and examining professional elements in the municipality, has already begun transmitting data from the field. The station monitors pollutants resulting from waste fires, including PM2.5, PM10 and benzene. The station operates 24 hours a day. The municipality noted that although it was initially announced that the data would be displayed on the website of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, after checking with the ministry, this is not possible. At the same time, the municipality is transmitting the pollution data to representatives of the residents who are leading the fight.
At the same time, the municipality is continuing to prepare for the submission of a petition to the High Court of Justice demanding that the state be obliged to address the pollution hazards resulting from waste fires. As is known, the municipality is working on this issue together with a number of other authorities: Kfar Saba, Rosh HaAyin, Shoham, Yehud-Monosson and Hevel Modi’in.
The Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut Municipality emphasizes that the struggle will not stop until residents of the city and the entire region can breathe clean air. The government's recognition of the problem is an important step, but it is not sufficient. The real solution will only come with the allocation of a dedicated budget, effective enforcement on the ground, extinguishing the fire centers and preventing their recurrence. The city will continue to fight on the ground, in the media and in the courts, on behalf of all residents.
