The Breakwater Program is underway.

(haipo) – The Appeals Subcommittee of the National Planning and Building Council rejected all appeals filed against the decision of the Coastal Environment Protection Committee (and others) to approve the Israel Ports Company's plan to construct breakwaters off the coast of Kiryat Haim. The decision constitutes a significant milestone in advancing the project, which is intended to deal with the phenomenon of sand erosion on the coast of Kiryat Haim and to restore the coastal strip.

"There is no room for intervention": The committee determined that the procedure was conducted lawfully

At the beginning of its decision, the Appeals Committee clarified that no grounds were found for interference with the decision of the HLA. The Committee noted that the planning process was conducted lawfully, and that all relevant professional and public considerations were taken into account.
The appeals were filed by the representative of the environmental organizations in the FOPH, Yael Dori, and by the "Tzlul" association. Among their claims:

• The plan is not part of a comprehensive national plan for coastal management and restoration.
• Examining the alternatives in the environmental review is not sufficient
• Nature-based solutions were not considered.
• There is a concern about environmental and scenic damage.
• The data infrastructure is partial.
• Not enough urgency was shown to advance the project.

Comprehensive professional review: Alternatives were examined – but found unsuitable

The appeals committee, headed by attorney Shuli Avni-Shoham, rejected the claims and determined that the HLF conducted an in-depth professional examination. As part of the procedure, various alternatives were presented, including those proposed by the environmental bodies themselves. The alternatives were examined by marine engineering experts and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, but were found to be unsuitable.

The public consideration at the center: expanding and rehabilitating the coast

In its decision, the committee emphasized that the top consideration was the public need to expand and rehabilitate the beach: "The top consideration considered by the Board of Directors was the public consideration of expanding the beach so that it could once again serve the bathing public, as it was before the construction of the port buildings... The plan was intended to address a serious and urgent problem of sand drift on the beaches of Kiryat Haim, and the solution chosen was found to be the best and most effective."

The committee noted that the decision is consistent with the role and authority of the Coastal Commission, and reflects a proper balance between development needs and preserving coastal values.

Support from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Haifa Municipality

In a hearing held in May 2025, the Ministry of Environmental Protection determined that there was no better alternative than constructing the breakwaters in the chosen location and configuration. The alternative was also approved by the Haifa Municipality, and was found to be environmentally optimal, among other things because it is expected to enable the restoration of Kiryat Haim Beach.

The appeals were rejected – the program continues.

In light of all the findings, the Appeals Committee determined that no grounds were found for intervention in the decision of the Board of Directors, and decided to reject the appeals in their entirety. What this means is that the breakwater plan in Kiryat Haim continues to progress toward implementation.