(haipo) – Against the backdrop of war and climate change, a strategic move designed to safeguard the future of the water sector in Israel.
Against the backdrop of the war and the need to utilize the surplus desalinated water, a large-scale injection of desalinated seawater into the Sea of Galilee began today, a move that marks a turning point in the management of the water sector in Israel. The Water Authority and Mekorot are fully operating the "Reverse Conveyor" system for the first time, one of Israel's most innovative infrastructure projects, with the aim of maintaining the lake's level and ensuring a stable water supply for years to come.
Peak flow rate: up to 5,000 cubic meters per hour
The new system allows the flow of approximately 4,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per hour directly into the Sea of Galilee, in addition to the 1,000 cubic meters per hour that has been flowing since December 2025 from the Ein Ravid area. In total, by the beginning of summer, a flow of approximately 5,000 cubic meters per hour is expected, an unprecedented figure in its scope.
The project, which cost about a billion shekels, was inaugurated about three years ago but has so far only operated in initial tests. Now, for the first time, it is being put into full operation.
Strategic move: preserving the Sea of Galilee as a national water source
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen, He defined the move as a "historic step": "After we became world leaders in water technologies, it is time to give back to the Kinneret that we all love. The move will improve the water supply in the north and help restore the streams and springs."
The mayor of Tiberias, Yossi Nevea, also He welcomed the decision: "The Sea of Galilee is the national lake, and it is our duty to nurture it. This is an important national move."
Stream restoration and nature conservation
Part of the discharge is carried out into the Tzalmon Stream, which in recent years has become the Nahal Achaz. The discharge of desalinated water into it is intended to help restore the ecosystem and strengthen the natural water flow in the area.
Tackling climate change and international obligations
The Water Authority notes that changing climate conditions and the scarcity of precipitation in the north require proactive management of the water sector. The reverse carrier allows Israel to maintain the level of the Sea of Galilee as a strategic reservoir for emergencies, ensure water supply for agriculture and northern settlements, and meet its international obligations, including supplying water to neighboring countries.
Deputy CEO of Mekorot, Danny Sofer, emphasized the importance of the move: "Operating the reverse conveyor gives strategic significance to maintaining the levels of the Sea of Galilee, a central anchor in Israel's water security."
Director of the Water Authority, Yehezkel Lipshitz, concluded: "This is a groundbreaking and unique move in the world. Increasing the flow of desalinated water into the Sea of Galilee will ensure Israel's water security for years to come."
It's a drop in the ocean, what a shame.
The Minister of Failure, Ahi Cohen, who raised the price of electricity by 20% even though Israel exports energy with almost no royalties (the lowest percentage in the world), never misses an opportunity to have his picture taken. He urinates on us from the water.
A good step, but the streams are just as important.
I was in the Tzalmon Stream near Ginosar today, the flow is zero. It's all public relations.
Start minding your own business.
I didn't understand why to pump desalinated water into the Sea of Galilee. In a month we will enter summer and the water will evaporate. It's no longer just a matter of transferring it to groundwater.
At a rate of 5000 cubic meters per hour
It will take 40 years to fill the Sea of Galilee…..check it out
How many centimeters will this give per year?
Wow.
I was very impressed by the courage of the group of photographers holding the spinning wheel.
Our troops returned safely from the photo shoot.
That's what's important to them, to cut films.
A bunch of sycophants whose only concern is posing.
All 5000 cubic meters per hour before malfunctions and disruptions is a maximum of 40 million cubic meters per year. Half of what is given to Jordan, before annual evaporation of 3 meters in height.
And before further agricultural development. So what is the fake celebration?
The main thing is to cut a government ribbon to grab a few more votes in the election.
Aim for fakes, and there's certainly no water because of Rabin...
Congratulations to the project planners and implementers, it's time to also pump water into the rivers: Sorek, Lachish, and Yarkon in the south.
Well done