National Water Conflict: Israel and Palestine (River Jordan Basin) Case Study

Question 1

Background Information

Answer 1

• Growing population.
• Mediterranean sea -> overuse of aquifers near Gaza = saltwater incursion.
• Israel controls lots of Palestinian territory.
• <250mm rainfall/yr = surface water reserves limited.
• Very arid.
• Israel 300 litres/day, Palestine 73 litres/day.

Question 2

How has conflict arisen, and what are the impacts?

Answer 2

• Israel overuses sea of Gailee (lake near River Jordan’s source) = Jordan River runs dry most years.
• West Bank Mountain Aquifer (main source of water) is controlled by Israel and have built on Palestinian territory there (80% use by Israel, 20% used by Palestinians).
• Israel claims they have a right to the aquifer as some groundwater flows into Israeli territory.
• Israel can use desalination, Palestinians can’t.
• Palestinian farmers have insufficient supply of water.
• Water used as a weapon in the ongoing political and religious conflict in the region due to water’s importance in irrigation and settlements.

Question 3

What are some possible solutions?

Answer 3

• Reduce conflict so water is not used as a weapon.
• Decrease unequal power relations
• Support from global governance, but how effective can this be? (e.g. it’s funded by major countries who support Israel, not Palestine).