That is the number of Israelis killed annually by air pollution. 

We all know of the immense crisis on Israel’s roads: 2025 was among the deadliest years on record, with over 450 fatalities. And yet, the number of Israelis killed by air pollution every year is more than 12 times as high, yet the issue receives little if any attention. 

One of the major sources of this pollution has been the illegal burning of waste in Palestinian cities and towns. For residents of Modi’in, Shoham, and other Israeli communities along the Seam Line, this is not merely a quality of life issue. Given the health consequences, it poses a genuine threat to residents’ lives.

Policymakers have known about this problem for two decades. It was documented in reports by the State Comptroller. Residents and local officials pleaded for action. None of it made a difference. The........

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