Iran’s strike on Haifa Refinery sparks political and environmental disputes in Israel

After Iran’s missile attack on the Bazan Oil Complex in Haifa Bay, which led to the complete shutdown of its refinery operations, a wave of tension has spread among local residents and environmental activists.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that since the attack, serious debates and disagreements have erupted within political, industrial, and environmental circles in the occupied territories.

According to the report, environmental activists and some Haifa residents have warned that the leakage of hazardous chemicals from the damaged facilities could worsen pollution in an area that has already been facing environmental challenges.

On the other hand, the management of Bazan and several industrial figures within the Zionist regime have emphasized the necessity of keeping the refinery operational during wartime.

They argue that maintaining an active refinery in Haifa is vital for preserving the energy supply chain.

Yedioth Ahronoth also pointed to escalating tensions among Zionist stakeholders over the proposed plan to build a new power plant within the Bazan Complex.

Critics of the plan argue that temporary and safer alternatives, such as mobile power units or energy storage systems, should be used instead. However, Bazan has rejected these alternatives.

During the recent 12-day war, the Zionist regime’s oil refinery organization confirmed in a statement that Haifa’s pipelines and oil facilities were hit and damaged in Iranian missile attacks.

The Bazan Group, one of the largest oil companies in the occupied territories, also announced that its facilities in Haifa Bay suffered significant damage as a result of these attacks.