Coastal cliff partially collapses at Netanya seaside promenade

No injuries reported at site, but area blocked off over fears remaining loose stone could cause additional landslide; official says breakwaters needed to prevent erosion

By Michael Horovitz 21 April 2023, 4:03 pm 0 Edit

A collapsed coastal cliff in Netanya, April 21, 2023. (Channel 12 screenshot: used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

A coastal cliff partially collapsed in the city of Netanya on Thursday.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which took place near the city’s main promenade, which sits atop the cliff.

The municipality cordoned off the area around the site, where large blocks of loose stone remained perilously perched on the eroding cliffside, fearing a second landslide.

Netanya, a coastal city of some 200,000, is separated from the Mediterranean by a line of geologically sensitive sea-side cliffs rising some 40 meters (130 feet) or higher in some places.

The city is currently cooperating with the government on projects to shore up protection for the sites, which are endangered by erosion from the sea.

The plan includes the construction of 12 breakwaters.

Ilan Lavi, CEO of the Mediterranean Coastal Cliffs Preservation Government Company, noted that collapses had been prevented in the northern part of the city, where breakwaters were already in place.

“The collapse of the cliff reminds us all of the importance to be cautious of their dangers and to continue the required investment in the challenge of preserving Israel’s cliffs,” he said in a statement.