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Energy Minister Says Sorek A Resumes Amid Algae Crisis

9/7/2026

Summary

Cohen Resumes Sorek

Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that the Sorek A desalination plant resumed operation amid the algae-induced water crisis.
Five of Israel's six desalination plants shut down after a micro-algae bloom from Egypt's Nile Delta clouded intake water.
Palmachim and Sorek B run at half capacity to avoid clogging filtration systems.
The Water Authority sprayed copper sulfate from a plane over a nine-kilometre stretch to combat algae.

Summary

Scientists Link Sewage

Researchers suspect untreated Gaza sewage, high in phosphorus and nitrogen, helped fuel the Synechococcus bloom.
Avner Gross, head of Ben-Gurion University’s Climate Change Lab, linked record Mediterranean heat to the bloom.
Michael Christopher Low, director of University of Utah’s Middle East Center, warned desalination is vulnerable to climate-driven algae.
Gidon Bromberg, Israel director of EcoPeace Middle East, said Gaza’s wastewater crisis creates a shared regional environmental risk.

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Cohen Resumes Sorek

Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that the Sorek A desalination plant resumed operation amid the algae-induced water crisis.
Five of Israel's six desalination plants shut down after a micro-algae bloom from Egypt's Nile Delta clouded intake water.
Palmachim and Sorek B run at half capacity to avoid clogging filtration systems.
The Water Authority sprayed copper sulfate from a plane over a nine-kilometre stretch to combat algae.

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