Israel's Ban on West Bank Wells Impacts Palestinian Agriculture and Water Access
From Jessica McCallin in Jerusalem
Introduction
Israeli infrastructure minister Effi Eitam last week banned Palestinians from drilling for water in the West Bank and put a freeze on the issue of permits for future drillings. This decision will have severe ramifications on Palestinian agriculture, which heavily relies on groundwater resources for irrigation, and will make it difficult for some villagers to access drinking water.
Agriculture and Water Access in the West Bank
Agriculture in the West Bank is already struggling due to land confiscation, destruction by Israel, and the recent ban on Palestinians harvesting their olive crop. With approximately 30% of villages not connected to the water network, residents rely on ground resources for drinking water. However, affordability and Israel's policy of closure often hinder access to purchased water or water tankers entering the villages.
A Discriminatory Situation Amplified
Israelis receive five to seven times more water than Palestinians, and they are given priority access. During times of water scarcity, the Israeli water company, Mekorot, shuts off the valves supplying Palestinian towns and villages to safeguard Israeli supplies. Consequently, Israeli settlers living in illegal settlements benefit from uninterrupted water supply while Palestinians in neighboring villages, who often reside on the settlements' appropriated land, face water shortages for basic needs such as drinking and cooking.
Israel's Allegations and Palestinian Counterarguments
Eitam justified the drilling ban by accusing the Palestinian Authority (PA) of waging a 'water intifada' against Israel, claiming that they are purposely polluting Israel's groundwater by failing to build water purification facilities. Palestinians argue that this accusation is illogical and disconnected from reality. The PA has been severely weakened by the government in which Eitam serves, and Israel withholds funds intended for the PA. Under these circumstances, it is implausible for the PA to construct water purification facilities.
Moreover, the claim that Palestinians intend to steal water from Israel and settlements is met with disbelief. According to international law, the West Bank's water resources, including the Mountain Aquifer and the Jordan River basin, should be shared equitably between Israel and Palestine. Yehezkel Lein from B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, highlights Israel's exploitation of the West Bank's water resources since occupying the territory in 1967. Israel confiscated most wells, banned new ones, and imposed quotas on water usage, leaving Palestinians with capped allocations set at 1967 levels despite population growth. Presently, Israel utilizes 79% of the Mountain Aquifer and all of the Jordan River basin, allocating only a small portion to Palestinians in Gaza.
The Geopolitical Importance of Water
Many commentators argue that in 1967, Israel invaded the West Bank and the water-rich Syrian Golan Heights to secure access to water resources. This is considered one of the main reasons why Israel is reluctant to relinquish these territories in potential land-for-peace agreements. Jad Issac, director of the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem, asserts that over half of Israel's water supply originates from the territories occupied in 1967. Water has proven to be a highly contested resource in the Middle East, often overshadowing the attention oil receives in regional conflicts.
Impact on Hotels and Tourism
Water Scarcity and Hospitality Industry
The ban on drilling for water in the West Bank imposed by Israel's infrastructure minister will have a significant impact on the hospitality industry and tourism in the region. Hotels and accommodations rely on an uninterrupted supply of water to meet the needs of their guests, including drinking water, sanitation, and various amenities.
Challenges for Hotels in Palestinian Areas
Hotels located in Palestinian areas of the West Bank will face challenges in sourcing sufficient water for their operations. With restrictions on drilling new wells and limited access to water resources, hotels may struggle to maintain adequate water supply for their guests. This can lead to a decline in the quality of services provided and a potential decrease in the number of tourists and visitors.
Potential Solutions and Mitigation
Hotel owners and authorities in the West Bank will need to explore alternative methods to ensure a sustainable water supply for the hospitality industry. This could involve implementing water conservation measures, such as advanced water recycling systems, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water management practices.
Collaboration between the Palestinian Authority, international organizations, and the private sector may also be necessary to develop infrastructure and technologies that can address the water scarcity issue. Investing in desalination plants or water purification facilities can help alleviate the dependence on groundwater resources.
Promoting Responsible Tourism
Amidst these challenges, there is an opportunity to promote responsible tourism practices that prioritize sustainable water usage. Hotels can educate guests about water conservation, provide them with eco-friendly amenities, and encourage them to support local initiatives aimed at addressing the water scarcity situation.