Netanyahu proposes construction of artificial islands to address overcrowding

The Israeli prime minister suggests man-made islands as a solution to overcrowding and a suitable location for desalination and power plants.

By Margot Dudkevitch

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to set up a new committee to examine the construction of artificial islands off Israel’s coast as a means to address overcrowding and the relocation of infrastructure and energy plants.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu conceded that since 1996, when he served his first term as prime minister, he has been toying with the idea. “Israel is one of the most crowded countries in the world, and it is predicted that by mid-century it might well be the most crowded country in the world.”

Netanyahu said. “We have a coast on which we have built infrastructure such as desalination plants, power stations and other infrastructure facilities. This proposal is designed to build off Israel’s coast, artificial islands that will absorb all these infrastructures, clear the coasts and of course give us more land.”

The Jerusalem Post noted that numerous committees have been appointed over the years to tackle the issue, but their efforts were halted due to opposition by environmental groups.

Netanyahu’s proposal has nothing to do with Transport Minister Yisrael Katz’s initiative to construct an artificial island off the coast of the Gaza Strip that would include a port, airport and cargo terminal. for the Palestinian population.