Water Politics with Israel’s Neighbors

1. Water Politics with Israel’s Neighbors Leighanne Oh

2. Israel AndIts 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

3. #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

4. #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 bnindustry • Example technology: • WWTC • Desalination of seawater • Bacterial sewage scrubbers • Computerized dribble detectors

5. # 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

6. Current Predicament • West Bank Usage • International Law • Israeli Actions (no drilling) • Water and Walls

7. Thank youQuestions? 7