6,000 families on the edge: the largest factory in the Negev at risk of closure

Southern city mayors have appealed to the Prime Minister to prevent the closure of the Rotem Amfert factory. The current waste reservoir is expected to fill by April 2027, and workers warn of harm to the livelihoods of 6,000 families in the Negev. The district committee approved the operation of Reservoir 4, but fears over the national committee's decision threaten the factory's future.

The mayors of Be'er Sheva, Dimona, Arad, and Yeruham have urgently appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent the shutdown of the Rotem Amfert factory in the Negev. The factory, which directly employs 1,000 families and indirectly supports another 5,000 families, faces closure due to the waste reservoir issue. Reservoir 5, currently used by the factory, is expected to fill by April 2027. The district planning committee approved the operation of Reservoir 4, but workers fear the national committee will prevent its activation. In their letter, the mayors argue that the plan for operating the reservoir underwent comprehensive planning procedures and was approved after thorough review. Workers threaten to stand as a wall against any decision that could lead to factory closure and layoffs. The article quotes workers and mayors but does not include a response from planning authorities or relevant ministries.