The Israel Water Authority Council approved an increase of up to 15% in the supply of freshwater for agriculture by 2026. The decision was made following an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with the Water Authority Council, with support and assistance from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. This followed the Ministry's presentation of the consequences of drought and the significant reduction in water allocations for agriculture, as well as the need to provide a solution that would ensure the continuity of supply, agricultural production, and the maintenance of national food security. The supply will be added to the amount specified in each supplier's license, and will be calculated according to the capacity of water sources and infrastructure limitations, at a rate applicable to surplus water. The Water Authority Council's decision was unanimous, with all six council members participating in the vote.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure continue to jointly examine options that would allow for the supply of at least some of the additional water volume at non-surplus rates, as well as promoting solutions to expand water sources for agriculture in the long term.

This decision, which aims to assist farmers following the drought and reduced allocations they experienced last year, comes in the context of a significant reduction in freshwater allocations for agriculture in 2026. The national allocation was reduced from approximately 380 million cubic meters in 2025 to approximately 290 million cubic meters in 2026, while in the Sea of ​​Galilee area, the allocation was reduced from approximately 92 million cubic meters to approximately 60 million cubic meters. To date, 308 requests and appeals for increased water have been submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, totaling approximately 35.8 million cubic meters. Furthermore, a mapping exercise conducted by the ministry revealed distortions in water allocation totaling approximately 16 million cubic meters, due to factors including relocations, partnerships, settlement revitalization, and new plantings. This decision will allow for an increase in the water supply for agriculture in the national system beyond the amount specified in the license.

In the last few months alone, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has received over 300 requests and appeals for increased water allocations totaling approximately 35.8 million cubic meters.

Yuval Lipkin, Head of the Food Security Administration at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated: “The Water Authority Council’s decision provides farmers with greater flexibility following a significant reduction in water allocations and a severe drought. It allows them to respond to changing water needs while maintaining a mechanism that encourages the intelligent use of water.” We continue to work with the Water Authority to find solutions that meet the needs of farmers, both in 2026 and in the long term, and to expand the water sources available to Israeli agriculture.”

Water Authority Director Yehezkel Lifshitz stated, “The Israeli water sector faces complex climate challenges that require calculated and responsible management, especially after the years of drought we have experienced. However, the Water Authority considers it of paramount importance to preserve Israeli agriculture, a strategic pillar of national food security. The decision to approve the increased flow reflects the delicate and necessary balance between conserving water resources and providing oxygen to farmers. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy, we have formulated a solution that provides the necessary safety net and operational flexibility at this time.”