Fighting for her legacy, Environment Minister Silman responds to green groups’ criticism

Environment Minister Idit Silman defends her tenure against green groups' criticism, citing legislative wins on building waste and environmental licensing. Critics accuse her of partisan friction, stalled reforms, and an 83% drop in environmental indictments. She ordered a review of Israel's UN climate convention participation but concluded there is no need to leave.

Environment Minister Idit Silman is vigorously defending her tenure, pointing to legislative victories on building waste, environmental licensing, and protecting a cleanup fund from other ministries. She dismissed criticism from green groups as political prejudice. Critics, including veteran environmentalist Alon Tal and advocacy head Amit Bracha, accuse her of partisan friction, stalled reforms on soil rehabilitation and forever chemicals, and an 83% drop in environmental indictments. Silman ordered a review of Israel's participation in the UN Climate Convention and Paris Accord, but concluded there is no need to leave. The article also notes her controversial statements about Palestinian waste burners and reclassifying the Nile crocodile.