The Environmental Protection Ministry says the decision not to provide 11 million shekels in funding for green organizations this year is due to budgetary constraints
Zafrir Rinat. May 29, 2025
The Environmental Protection Ministry has informed environmental organizations that they will not receive their usual annual funding this year – totaling 11 million shekels (approximately $3.1 million).
In response, 32 organizations sent a letter on Wednesday to Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, urging her to reverse the decision, which they say will severely undermine civil environmental efforts in Israel.
For years, the ministry has issued an annual call for proposals from environmental organizations seeking support. The funding is sourced from the Cleanliness Fund, administered by the Environmental Protection Ministry.
This fund is financed through payments made by local authorities for waste disposal in landfills and is intended to support a wide range of environmental initiatives.
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In a notice sent to environmental groups several weeks ago, the ministry cited budgetary constraints as the reason for not issuing this year’s call for proposals.
“We want to emphasize our appreciation for your work on behalf of Israel’s environment and consider you partners in this mission. We are also exploring additional avenues for cooperation this year,” the ministry wrote.
The ministry confirmed the funding freeze in a statement to Haaretz, but declined to provide further explanation.
Last year, the call for proposals was significantly delayed, which Silman attributed to the ongoing war. When it was eventually published, she praised the environmental organizations for their role in “environmental and public rehabilitation during wartime.”
The ministry described its support at the time as evidence of its “continued commitment to joint action” with environmental groups. In 2024, the ministry allocated 14 million shekels in funding to such organizations.
The latest announcement has sparked widespread frustration among environmental groups, many of which operate on limited budgets and heavily rely on government support.
Some organizations were already impacted by last year’s delay, which hindered their ability to apply for funding on time.
Environmental activists claim the decision may be politically motivated, alleging that Silman is retaliating against groups that have criticized her environmental policies.
In their letter to Silman, the organizations questioned the justification for the funding freeze. “The budget comes from the Cleanliness Fund, so if necessary, the funds should be available,” they wrote.
“It’s unclear why budgetary constraints are being cited as the reason, and whether other factors are influencing this decision.”
Government funding from the Environmental Protection Ministry has traditionally supported a variety of initiatives, including open space restoration, pollution prevention, environmental education, and legislative advocacy.
Some of the affected organizations operate in Arab communities with especially limited resources, making state funding critical to their survival.
“We are pleading and warning before the damage becomes irreversible,” the groups wrote. “Please issue the call for funding. Allow environmental organizations to continue serving the public and protecting the environment and public health.”
The Knesset’s Interior and Environment Committee will convene next week to discuss the issue, following a request by MK Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu (Yesh Atid). Minister Silman is expected to attend.