Water Politics with Israel’s NeighborsLeighanne Oh

Israel And Its Water Wars

In the last 40 years, there have been 21 armed disputes over water in the Middle East, 18 of them involving Israel Where?

Jordan River Coastal Aquifer Western & Eastern Mountain

Aquifer Why?

Inequality in power Inequality in innovation Foreseen need

#1: Inequality In Power

The 1993 Oslo Peace Agreement that allocated 80% of the water pumped from the mountain aquifer to Israel while only 20% to the Palestinians• 200-600 meters of saturated substratum • Mostly go to benefit ~ 8 million Israeli citizens • Oslo was suppose to extend only for 5 years• Palestinians get ~ 75% of stipulated quota from Accord

#2: Inequality In Innovation

Israel has invested and exponentially developed their technology on recycling water while the Palestinians have not. • Israel recycles 80% of used water

that mostly goes to agriculture • 80% ~ 400 million cubic meters a

year ~ ratio 4 times greater than any other country

• Growing into $1 bn industry • Example technology:

• WWTC• Desalination of seawater • Bacterial sewage scrubbers• Computerized dribble detectors

# 3: Inequality in immediate need

There is a huge growing need in both populations. However, Israel has shown that water is a population and economic driver. Economic  

58% of water goes to agriculture that is a large driver to generate revenue as exports

Saw huge economic shift in 2006-2008 during drought

Population  

Current population of 8 million By 2025, theorized to have 4 times as

much

The Palestinian side Average water consumption

in the West Bank for domestic, urban, and industrial purposes is approximately 73 liters per person/per day

Current Predicament

• West Bank Usage• International Law• Israeli Actions (no drilling)• Water and Walls

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Thank you

Questions?

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