Sadly, we’ve become familiar with environmental criminals taking over parts of Judea and Samaria, ruining the natural landscape in the process. But this is a first: a junkyard of this kind and size that produces such an enormous amount of pollution, untreated metals and other materials.

 

How does it work?

Every so often, the Israeli bus company ‘Egged’ holds a tender for the sale of its old buses. Some are sold around the world, others are sold domestically.

 

In this case, the buyer (whose identity Egged refuses to disclose) takes old buses to his illegal junkyard on IDF Training Ground 203. The vehicles are dismantled without inspection or supervision, causing major environmental damage, and old parts find their way onto the black market.

 

Regavim approached the Civil Administration to demand that enforcement action is taken against the junkyard. CA officials responded, as expected, that enforcement will take place “in accordance with established priorities”. In other words: leave us alone, we’re busy.

 

And what about Egged?

The bus company claims that it’s not responsible for what happens in junkyards that it doesn’t own. Even if the purchase of old buses is made by a criminal, and despite the environmental damage, Egged isn’t interested. When we asked for information about the buyer, Egged refused to comment.

 

Until “enforcement priorities” reach the illegal junkyard, and until Egged stops cooperating with criminals, the environmental damage will continue and increase.

 

Someone has to take responsibility. And the junkyard owner must be held accountable.