Health Ministry Halts Classes Near Haifa Refineries Following Benzene Spikes
Israel's Ministry of Health and Environmental Protection halted classes near the Haifa oil refineries due to abnormal benzene spikes, ordering maintenance works to stop.
The Ministry of Health has ordered the suspension of classes for the next 24 hours at the Social High School and Erezim School, located near the oil refineries complex, and their relocation to alternative sites. The decision was made following consultations with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and in coordination with the Kiryat Ata municipality, due to abnormal concentrations of benzene measured in the area.
Alongside the decision regarding the schools, guidelines were issued to the public. Residents within a one-kilometer radius of the refineries are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, with an emphasis on children and pregnant women. Workers in the industrial zone were asked to keep windows closed and operate air conditioners.
The incident occurs while periodic maintenance work and repairs for war-related damage are underway at the Haifa refineries complex. Over the weekend of October 9–10, 2026, very high concentrations of benzene were detected at mobile environmental monitoring station 4, located near the Deshanim industrial zone in Kiryat Ata. Normal levels were recorded at other stations surrounding the complex during those days.
On October 11, the measurement picture expanded: high levels of benzene were also recorded at the Haifa - Old Licensing Office station, alongside mobile station 4. During morning school hours, a downward trend was observed at the mobile station with low values, but by noon the trend reversed and concentrations began to rise.
Official Response and Suspension of Work
The high measurements also led to action against the facility. The Ministry of Environmental Protection held an urgent clarification meeting with company representatives in the morning and ordered the suspension of maintenance work. The ministry demanded an investigation into the incident and the submission of a detailed maintenance work plan, along with measures designed to prevent further violations. Submitting the plan was set as a condition for resuming work.
"The ministry will continue to monitor data from monitoring stations and take all necessary measures to protect public health and environmental safety in the Haifa Bay area."
An additional situation assessment will be held tomorrow based on monitoring findings, after which a public update is expected to be published. The ministries will continue to track incoming data from the monitoring stations in accordance with the development of the event.
Long-Term Environmental Policy
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Environmental Protection continues to promote government policy to halt petrochemical industry operations in Haifa Bay. The ministry is working with other government bodies to advance plans and mechanisms required to implement the government decision and promote sustainable development of the area according to National Outline Plan 75, aiming to improve air quality, protect public health, and reduce environmental hazards in Haifa Bay.