Migdal HaEmek Municipality Declares War on Litterers: The Smart Cameras That Catch Them

The Migdal HaEmek Municipality is deploying smart cameras to identify residents who illegally dump waste. Enforcement data reveals a 41% decrease in fines and a 12% increase in warnings. Mayor Yaki Ben Haim announced an expansion of the camera system.

The Migdal HaEmek Municipality has intensified its fight against illegal waste dumping by using smart cameras that allow inspectors to catch residents 'in the act' and issue them a fine of 730 shekels. N12 obtained footage of the advanced cameras, showing inspectors arriving at the scene shortly after the waste was dumped. Official enforcement data shows a 41% decrease in the number of fines (from 687 between January and October 2025 to 402 in the same period in 2026), alongside a 12% increase in warnings (from 616 to 688). The municipality explains that not every violation results in a fine, and in cases of good-faith mistakes, the resident first receives a warning. Mayor Yaki Ben Haim announced plans to expand the camera system, stating that the goal is to prevent fines and encourage residents to take responsibility. However, the article notes that the data pertains to all areas of municipal supervision, not just sanitation violations, and that security events may affect the figures.