The Union of Local Councils in Israel is escalating its protest against the sharp increase in water tariffs. The government has raised water tariffs three-fold since 2007, and they are scheduled to rise again in January.

The Union of Local Councils announced early this morning that it will block major traffic arteries and intersections nationwide between 9 and 10 am, to protest the high water tariffs. The roads that are blocked include the Arlozoroff Street-Namir Road intersection in Tel Aviv; Bar Ilan Interchange in Ramat Gan, the Bnei Dror Intersection near Netanya, and the Yad Mordechai Junction; Camp 80 Intersection on Road 65 near Hadera; the East Tishbi Intersection at Yokne'am; Sha'ar Hagai on the Jerusalem Tel Aviv Highway (Road 1); and the northern entrance to Dimona on Road 40.

Over the past ten days, the Union of Local Authorities has launched a range of protests against the government, and on Sunday set up a protest tent outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. This particular protest peaked when they brought in camels to symbolize the drought.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 22, 2010

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