Haifa Mayor Slams Severe Refinery Pollution After School Closures

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav sharply criticized the recent hazardous pollution incident near the city's oil refineries, which prompted the temporary closure of two schools and a severe public health warning. Speaking on Monday, Yahav demanded immediate and decisive action to address the environmental hazard.

Mayor Demands Full Accountability

"When schools are closed due to carcinogenic substances in the air, this is no longer a warning light, it is a real alarm. This recklessness must stop," Yahav stated. He emphasized that in a civilized country, children should not be forced to stay home due to industrial air pollution, nor should residents be instructed to seal their windows for protection.

When schools are closed due to carcinogenic substances in the air, this is no longer a warning light, it is a real alarm. This recklessness must stop, said Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav.

Call for Closure by 2029

Yahav reiterated his recent demand addressed to all party leaders to commit to shutting down the oil refineries by 2029. He stressed that residents of Haifa and the Krayot area are not second-class citizens and that their health and safety must not be compromised.

The Ministry of Health issued a dramatic warning following abnormal benzene concentrations measured near the Bazan industrial complex, ordering the suspension of classes at two schools in Kiryat Ata and instructing local workers to keep windows closed.