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Monday, August 24, 2026
All Haifa beaches closed for swimming following abnormal seawater sampling
Sue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter

The beach at Kiryat Haim in northern Israel, with the Haifa Bay in the background, July 2, 2025. (Sue Surkes/Times of Israel)
Following abnormal seawater sampling results, the causes of which are currently unclear, the Health Ministry orders the closure of all beaches in the northern city of Haifa for swimming.
Sampling is being repeated, a Haifa Municipality statement says, and depending on the results and Health Ministry guidelines, a decision will be made on whether to continue or lift the swimming ban.
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