Gas Power-Plant Push Divides Rural Israel

A state program to plan up to 13 new gas-fired power plants is dividing rural communities, especially in Emek Hefer. The program implements Government Decision 2282 on electricity-sector energy security through 2040 and lets private developers seek land agreements before the National Infrastructure Committee chooses final projects. Local leaders warn that several nearby proposals would concentrate environmental, health and security risks; the Energy Ministry says reliable supply is needed for population growth, electric transport and data centers while renewables and storage advance. Israel needs resilient power without rushed siting that fractures farming communities.