Israeli Experiment Aims to Clear Unexploded Munitions from Rishon LeZion’s Mediterranean Shore

A joint research effort led by Israel’s National Mine Action Authority and the National Institute of Oceanography is testing methods to remove decades-old grenades, mortars and artillery shells from the Mediterranean seabed off Rishon LeZion. The firing range, used since Israel’s founding, occupies roughly 7 km (4.3 mi) of the city’s coastline, leaving nearly half of the nation’s 194-km (120-mi) coast off-limits to civilians. The initiative, funded by the Rishon LeZion municipality, seeks to reclaim about 2 km (1.2 mi) of shoreline for public use.

Associated Press

Divers place yellow-painted mock munitions—some fitted with motion sensors—at depths of 5, 10 and 15 m and up to 1.2 km offshore. After several months the devices are retrieved, data analyzed, and new mock ordnance deployed. Early results indicate the objects moved less than expected, suggesting a smaller clearance zone than feared. The Defense Ministry aims to have sufficient data to begin actual clearance by the end of next year and to expand the beach by an initial 150 m (492 ft) within months. The full program is projected to cost tens of millions of dollars and will span several years.

Associated Press

Work has been delayed by Israel’s multiple conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, which halt diving when missiles fall into the sea. The current war with Iran and a 12-day confrontation in June 2026 saw missiles land near Rishon LeZion, though no injuries were reported. Divers also contend with limited air supply and the difficulty of locating live ordnance on the seafloor.

Associated Press

Municipal spokesperson Moria Malka says the clearance will triple the usable coastline, creating a nature reserve and residential area. Residents such as Mark Kostman welcome the prospect, noting that the current beach is “completely crowded and too dense to even have fun.”

Associated Press

• “It’s really hard to find things in the sea,” — Roy Jaijel, researcher, National Institute of Oceanography

Associated Press

• “It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” — Israel Faintuch, head, Maritime Division, Ministry of Defense National Mine Action Authority

Associated Press

• “You have limited air supply when you go with the divers and you have limited time in the water,” — Dafna Eliahu, graduate student, University of Haifa

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• “Both renewable energies based on the sea (wind turbines and harnessing water currents) and the global connectivity that most of the world relies on every minute of every day, depend massively on underwater cable laying,” — Pedro Basto, research and innovation program manager, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining

Associated Press

• “Holidays and Saturdays, all of this place is completely crowded and too dense to even have fun,” — Mark Kostman, beachgoer.

Associated Press