How Did Israel Become a Global Leader in Water Management?

-?????????????????????? ??????????: ????? ???????????? ????????????????????????, ??????????, ????????????????????????, ?????? ???????????????? ????????

????????????????????????

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces severe water scarcity, making water management a crucial and contentious issue. Israel has emerged as a significant player in water management, leveraging strategic control over regional water sources. However, this leadership has significant geopolitical implications, raising concerns about conflicts and wars over water resources.

?????????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ?????????? ??????????????

Israel's control over key water sources in the MENA region has far-reaching implications. This control is not merely a result of technological advancements but also strategic military and political maneuvers to secure these resources.

???????????????????? ???? ???????? ????????????????: Israel's control over Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) directly impacts the water access of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. This strategic occupation allows Israel to solely manage and allocate critical water resources that belong to neighboring countries.

???????????????? ??????????????’?? ?????????? ??????????????????: Israel restricts Lebanon's use of its southern aquifers and rivers, including the strategic Litani River. Southern Lebanon has over 300 springs and two main rivers, the Hasbani and the Wazzani, which feed into the Jordan River. Israeli policies prevent Lebanon from utilizing these crucial water sources. Any water facility established among these is at risk of being bombed during conflicts, ensuring that Lebanon cannot use these waters effectively. There are also deep and justified worries that Israel has linked the Litani and Hasbani aquifers during its occupation of Southern Lebanon, further consolidating its control over the region's water resources.

?????????? ??????????????????: The Jeita Reservoir, with a capacity of 13 billion cubic meters, is included in Israel's Water Plan 2025, indicating long-term intentions to utilize this resource. This inclusion highlights Israel's ambitions to secure additional water sources beyond its borders.

Water Control in Palestinian Territories: In the occupied Palestinian territories, the control and distribution of water resources by Israeli authorities exemplify the weaponization of water amidst ongoing conflict. Israel exercises stringent control over most water sources in the region, severely limiting Palestinian access to essential water supplies. Particularly in Gaza, more than 90% of the water from the Coastal Aquifer is undrinkable due to contamination and over-extraction. Israeli operations have repeatedly targeted water infrastructure during military campaigns, exacerbating the scarcity and crippling agricultural activities. This calculated denial and destruction of water resources highlight the strategic use of water as a geopolitical tool, reflecting broader patterns of control that extend beyond mere resource management to encompass territorial and demographic control elements.

???????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????

Israel's support and sponsorship of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile pose a direct threat to Egypt's water security, as Israel is aiming to drain water through pipes from Ethiopia. This support is a strategic move to gain leverage over one of the region's most vital water sources.

???????????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ??????????????????

Israel's ambitions for MENA water date back to the early 20th century with the Zionist movement. Historical attempts to include surrounding nations' water sources within Israeli territory have evolved into strategic military actions and occupations aimed at securing these resources. The occupation of Southern Lebanon (Sheba) and the Sea of Galilee and control over critical water sources are driven by security and water resource needs without acknowledging other nation's rights.

????????????????????

Israel's strategic control over essential water resources in the MENA region presents significant risks for regional stability. If the international community fails to intervene and enforce international laws, continuing to support Israel's aggressive policies, the area may face escalating conflicts over water. The resulting tensions could trigger widespread unrest, making water the catalyst for broader conflicts in the MENA region. Ensuring equitable and sustainable water management practices is essential to prevent such outcomes and promote regional peace and stability.

??otes on International Law:

International law sets clear standards for managing natural resources in occupied territories. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits an occupying power from exploiting the resources of an occupied territory for its benefit, emphasizing the protection of civilian properties and resources. The Hague Regulations also require the occupying power to act as a caretaker, safeguarding the resources without depleting them. Furthermore, conventions like the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights affirm that all peoples can freely dispose of their natural wealth, highlighting that resource exploitation should not adversely affect the local population. These legal frameworks are intended to ensure that any resource management during occupation prioritizes the needs and rights of the indigenous population, reinforcing the principle that occupation does not grant the occupier ownership over natural resources.

Hashtags: #WaterPolitics #MENARegion #IsraelWaterManagement #WaterConflict #MiddleEast #WaterSecurity #Geopolitics #SustainableWater #InternationalLaw #PeaceAndStability