Criminal10/3/2026

Police Investigate Suspected Arson at the Shoket Wastewater Treatment Facility

Following an overnight fire in the electrical panel room at the Shoket wastewater treatment facility, the facility ceased operating. About 30,000 cubic meters of untreated wastewater are flowing daily into southern streams, while police investigate suspected deliberate arson.

Key facts

•Flow volume: about 30,000 cubic meters per day
•Wastewater route: Hebron — Be'er Sheva — Besor
•Repair time: could take several weeks
•Publication date: October 3, 2026
•Police are investigating suspected arson

What Happened

A major fire broke out during the night between Thursday and Friday in the electrical panel room at the Shoket wastewater treatment facility, disabling it. According to information provided by the Neve Midbar water corporation to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, repairing the damage could take several weeks.

Impact on Southern Israel

Following the facility's shutdown, untreated wastewater is flowing into the Hebron Stream, and from there into the Be'er Sheva and Besor streams. The Water Authority and the Neve Midbar water corporation are trying to stop the wastewater flow and restore the facility's operations, including through emergency solutions.

Police Investigation

Police opened an investigation into suspected arson and believe the incident may have had a criminal motive. Officers from the Ayarot police station and forensic investigators collected evidence and findings from the scene; a fire investigator was also summoned to determine the source and circumstances of the fire. The report did not mention any arrests or suspects.

Warning to Residents

The Ministry of Environmental Protection instructed the local authorities of Al-Kasom, Omer, Bnei Shimon, Be'er Sheva, and Eshkol to warn residents about the possibility of foul odors. The ministry recommends staying away from the streams and avoiding contact with the water. It also recommended that the local authorities increase mosquito monitoring and carry out pest-control operations as needed.

What this means for you

Residents of communities downstream should take into account the risk of odors, water contamination, and a possible increase in mosquito numbers. Until new official announcements are issued, people are advised not to approach the streams mentioned and to avoid contact with their water. Arson has not yet been established; it remains a hypothesis under examination as part of the investigation.

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