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The Ministry of Environmental Protection (Hebrew: המשרד להגנת הסביבה, HaMisrad LeHaganat HaSviva; Arabic: وزارة حماية البيئة) is a government ministry in Israel. It was formerly known as the Ministry of the Environment (Hebrew: המשרד לאיכות הסביבה, HaMisrad LeEikhut HaSviva).

The ministry operates on three levels: national, regional and local: At the national level it is responsible for the formulation of a nationwide integrated, and inclusive policy for the protection of the environment. At the regional level, through its six districts, the ministry, among others, oversees the implementation of the national environmental policy, engages in local planning processes, assists municipalities with their environmental responsibilities and supervise them when formulating requirements for the acquisition of business licenses. At the local level the ministry lends support to environmental units and towns associations that have been established in municipalities throughout the country.

Climate Change is a major area in which the ministry operates. The prime objective of the ministry in this area is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from all sources in the Israeli economy. In the run-up to the UNFCCC convention in Paris in 2015 the ministry has led an inter-ministerial committee that examined a range of GHG emissions reduction targets for 2030 and formulated the strategy for meeting these targets. The ministry is also responsible for preparing and submitting Israel's different Climate Change reports to the UNFCCC. The ministry focuses its activities on policies and measures to promote renewable energy, switch from coal to natural gas in the power sector and to ramp up the implementation of energy efficiency measures across the economy.

A basic volunteer for the ministry is called a "Ne'eman Nikayon", translated literally as a "clean trustee" but more accurately described as a volunteer cleanliness protection officer. They are certified under the "Cleanliness protection law of 1984". A volunteer must pass a one-day course where they learn the basic laws involved in their ability to report violations of Israeli littering laws. Once certified, a volunteer can write out tickets against violators and submit them directly to the ministry for processing. In almost all cases a simple fine is issued (ranging from 250–8000 Israeli new sheqels), but under some circumstances the case may be sent automatically to a judge (especially in the case of a repeat offender) to determine special punishment.

The environmental protection ministry has paid inspectors (Pakachim) who serve in a similar capacity as a basic volunteer, as well as holding additional powers according to Israeli law.

List of ministers

The Environmental Protection Minister of Israel (Hebrew: שר להגנת הסביבה, Sar LeHaganat HaSviva) is the political head of the ministry. The post was created on 22 December 1988, and until May 2006 was known as the Minister of the Environment (Hebrew: שר לאיכות הסביבה, Sar LeEikhut HaSviva). There have been Deputy Ministers on multiple occasions.

Deputy ministers

See also

• Climate change in Israel
• Environmental issues in Israel

References

1. About us Ministry of Environmental Protection
2. All Ministers in the Ministry of the Environment Knesset website

External links

• Ministry of Environmental Protection
• All Ministers in the Ministry of the Environment Knesset website

v t e Environmental protection ministers of Israel
Milo (1988–90) Edri (1990) Shamir (1990–92) Namir (1992) Sarid (1992–96) Eitan (1996–99) Itzik (1999–2001) Hanegbi (2001–03) Naot (2003–04) Shalgi (2004) Simhon (2005) Ezra (2006–09) Erdan (2009–13) Peretz (2013–14) Gabbay (2015–16) Kahlon (2016) Elkin (2016–20) Gamliel (2020–21) Zandberg (2021–22) Silman (2022–)

v t e Israeli Cabinet portfolios
Prime Minister's Office Deputy Prime Minister Agriculture and Food Security Aliyah and Integration Communications Construction and Housing Culture & Sport Defense Development of the Periphery, the Negev & the Galilee Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Economy Education Environmental Protection Finance Foreign Affairs Health Internal Affairs Jerusalem Affairs & Heritage Justice Energy National Security Regional Cooperation Religious Services Science, Technology & Space Social Equality Strategic Affairs Tourism Transport & Road Safety Welfare and Social Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Inactive portfolios Alternate Prime Minister Defunct portfolios Cyber and National Digital Matters Development Economic Strategy Home Front Defense Intelligence Information Labor Minorities Rationing & Supply

• Government ministries of Israel
• Government ministers of Israel
• Lists of government ministers of Israel
• Ministers of environment of Israel