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South Africa has dragged Israel to the ICJ, accusing the Middle Eastern country of committing genocide in Gaza. The outcome of this case will impact the global narrative.

Why is Israel Being Accused of Genocide?

South Africa has referred Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the Middle Eastern country of committing genocide in Gaza. This follows reports that allege that over 22,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the October 7 Hamas-Israel war.

In this article, we'll discuss South Africa's genocide allegations against Israel. We'll also explain the nature of the ICJ and the weight of its rulings.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas, an Iran-funded terror group, carried out a coordinated attack on random Israeli towns, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping some 240 others. The attack, which came at a time of rising Israel-Palestine tensions, was described as one of the worst terrorist attacks in history.

Israel's military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), responded to the attack by carrying out air strikes and a ground offensive in Gaza. This led to the deaths of over 22,000 people in Gaza, a figure provided by the Hamas-run health ministry.

South Africa subsequently filed a case at the ICJ, accusing the Israeli government of having an intent to commit genocide against Palestinians.

What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) formed in 1945. This court exists to settle legal disputes between states, promote international cooperation, and contribute to the development of international law.

The ICJ comprises 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. These judges serve nine-year terms, and no two judges can be nationals of the same country. The court operates year-round, holding regular sessions and emergency sessions when required. Proceedings involve written and oral phases, with parties presenting their arguments, evidence, and witnesses.

The ICJ relies on various sources of international law, including treaties, customary law, general principles of law, and judicial decisions. It applies principles of equity and justice to ensure a fair and impartial resolution of disputes.

The rulings of the court are binding and final but cannot be forced on any country. As such, some countries choose to ignore or not fully comply with ICJ decisions.

Throughout its history, the ICJ has heard numerous landmark cases. Notable examples include The Republic of Nicaragua v. The United States of America, where the court addressed issues of state responsibility and intervention, and the Kosovo Advisory Opinion, which examined the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence.

Over the years, the ICJ has seen the participation of esteemed judges from diverse legal backgrounds. Notable presidents have included Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, Sir Robert Yewdall Jennings, and current president Joan E. Donoghue.

For many, it is hard to understand the basis of South Africa’s genocide allegation.

Hostage situation: Hamas began this war, not Israel, and to this day, the terror group still holds a number of Israeli hostages, including women and children. Some abductees are under age 3.

Civilian casualties: While it’s unfortunate that civilian deaths have been recorded, all casualties are within combat zones. Israel is extremely careful with civilians and has teams of lawyers that check military decisions in real-time to ensure fewer civilian casualties.

Use of human shields: There is evidence to suggest that Hamas uses civilians in Gaza as human shields. Hamas also operates from schools, hospitals, UN shelters, and places of worship in order to hide behind civilians. Other reports suggest that Hamas terrorists sometimes deploy civilians, including children, to fight tanks and plant explosives.

Israel’s military approach: Israel is a military superpower and could have easily killed more than 1% of Gaza’s population if it truly had a genocidal intent. Instead, The IDF sends ground forces on dangerous missions to Gaza in order to reduce civilian deaths. The easier solution, if Israel had no regard for civilian casualties, would be indiscriminate bombing. If Israel intends genocide, why would they risk their soldiers' lives to reduce civilian casualties?

Gazan population: The Hamas-run Gazan Ministry of Health (MoH), says some 23,210 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas war — a figure equivalent to about 1% of the Gazan population. Although this figure is tragic, it is hard to describe the deaths of 1% of a people as genocide.

Comparisons to death rates in other conflicts: Compared to casualty rates in conflicts like the one in Ukraine (which South Africa has refused to condemn), the killings in Gaza (though unfortunate) are relatively low. 

Hamas's intent: Many argue that if there's any genocidal intent, it should be attributed to Hamas. The terror group has  a call for the genocide of Jews in its charter. “The Day of Judgment will not come about until Muslims fight the Jews (killing the Jews) when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones and trees will say: O Muslims (…) there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him. “Only the gharkad tree [evidently a certain kind of tree] would not do that because it is one of the trees of the Jews.” - Article 7 of the Charter of Hamas.

Iran's plot: Hamas's ally, Iran also expresses similar sentiments. In 2005, the country said it would wipe Israel off the face of the map. In President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's own words,  “Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury, … any [Islamic leader] who recognizes the Zionist regime means he is acknowledging the surrender and defeat of the Islamic world." “... There is no doubt that the new wave [of attacks] in Palestine will wipe off this stigma [Israel] from the face of the Islamic world." “Israel must be wiped off the map.”

Based on these arguments, it's safe to say South Africa’s genocide claim lacks merit.

What is the History of South Africa’s Relationship With Israel?

South Africa's genocide claim against Israel has undoubtedly further strained the already shaky relationship between the two countries. Here is an overview of key phases in their historical ties:

In the 1940s, South Africa and Israel had a friendly relationship. The African country became one of the first states to give official recognition to Israel.

Israel, in turn, opened a consulate-general in Pretoria.

In the 1950s, the relationship between Israel and South Africa deepened, with increased economic cooperation.

During the 1950s-1960s, apartheid issues, and related UN debates complicated the relationship between Israel and South Africa.

The end of apartheid in the early 1990s marked a turning point in the relationship. South Africa's new government, led by Nelson Mandela, criticized Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. The two countries also adopted different positions on various other international issues.

During parts of the 21st century, Israel and South Africa maintained diplomatic relations, but these are often strained due to differences in their approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. South Africa has been critical of Israel's policies, leading to occasional diplomatic tensions.

As of 2023, South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) maintained a strong pro-Palestinian stance.

The ANC accused Israel of apartheid against Palestinians, a claim strongly resonating with South Africa.

In November 2023, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel and closed its embassy in the Middle Eastern country.

South African lawmakers also voted to close down Israel's embassy in Pretoria.

Weeks after the October 7 attacks, a group of Hamas officials visited South Africa. 

More on the South Africa-Israel Genocide Case at the ICJ

South Africa's legal team, led by justice minister Roland Lamola, argues that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza violates the Genocide Convention. “The level of Israel's killing is so extensive that nowhere is safe in Gaza," Adila Hassim, one of South Africa's lawyers, told the court.

"As I stand before you today, 23,210 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during the sustained attacks over the last three months, at least 70% of whom are believed to be women and children," Hassim added.

Meanwhile, Israel has strongly rejected the accusation of genocide, saying that it is only acting in self-defence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement, reacted to South Africa’s opening arguments. 

 "The hypocrisy of South Africa knows no bounds…The state of Israel is accused of genocide at a time when it is fighting genocide.”

"Today, we witnessed one of the greatest shows of hypocrisy in history and a series of baseless and false claims. South Africa is ignoring the fact that Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, murdered, executed, massacred, raped, and kidnapped Israeli citizens, just because they were Israelis, in an attempt to carry out genocide.”

Dr. Gilad Noam, one of Israel's lawyers, presented the following closing arguments in his client’s defense:

“Entertaining the applicant’s request would weaken efforts to punish genocide and instead of [the court] being an instrument to prevent terrorist horrors would turn it into a weapon in hands of terrorist groups who have no regard for humanity and rule of law,” said Noam.

South Africa’s stance, if universally accepted, “Would signal to terrorist groups that they can commit war crimes and crimes against humanity and then seek the protection of this court,” he added. .

What Other Countries and Organizations Have Said About the Case

Parts of a Palestinian foreign ministry statement read: “International Court of Justice... is a historic event in the process of the joint Palestinian and South African struggle in the face of the injustice and genocide.”

"Holding Israel, the illegal occupying power, accountable, using all legal tools, and through international justice institutions and international law enforcement, is the main focus of the legal strategy of the State of Palestine, and the core of the diplomatic and international movement.

"...What encouraged Israel and its various tools, including government officials, military personnel, and colonialists, to commit crimes, leading to the commission of, and incitement to commit, the crime of genocide, is due to international failure, the failure to take practical steps to hold it accountable..., and supplying Israel with various types of lethal weapons and political support…”

Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhr said, "The Palestinian people are following the court session in The Hague with great concern and interest ... We urge the court to reject all pressure and take a decision to criminalize the Israeli occupation and stop the aggression on Gaza.”

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock:

"It is a fact that genocide preconditions the intention to destroy or partly destroy a group because of their nationality, ethnicity, race or religion. I cannot detect any of this intention by Israel in its self-defence against an armed terror group, Hamas. We will observe the hearing closely."

The President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, reacted to the Hague case in a statement on X:

“Germany has chosen to defend in the ICJ the genocidal and gruesome acts of the Israeli government against innocent civilians in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian Territories.” 

"The U.S. believes South Africa's genocide submission against Israel distracts the world from important efforts for peace and security.”

Does the court have any power to enforce a ruling?

The ICJ’s rulings are binding and cannot be appealed. However, the court doesn’t have the authority to enforce any of its decisions and only depends on the will of the parties involved to act accordingly. In fact, previous ICJ rulings have been ignored with little or no consequence.

Simply put, Israel cannot be compelled by the ICJ or South Africa to cease its military operations in Gaza.  

Israel strives to uphold lawful and ethical policies despite facing severe security threats. The evidence shows that amidst an incredibly complex security environment, Israel takes significant steps to adhere to rules of engagement and minimize civilian casualties. The restraint and care shown, despite constant provocations, reveal the nation of Israel's moral principles in action.

The ICJ lacks any enforcement capacity. As such, a verdict against Israel would carry no legal penalties beyond reputational harm. Without concrete impacts beyond stigma, the case becomes more of a prosecution in the court of public opinion rather than a genuine legal adjudication.

However, the prominence of the ICJ guarantees international attention regardless of legal outcomes. The unfounded allegations against Israel will have an impact on the global narrative.

A senior Hamas leader, Saleh al-Arouri, has been killed in a suspected Israeli attack. His assassination has been described as the “most high profile elimination” since the start of the Hamas-Israel war.

Who is Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas leader killed in Beirut?

Saleh al-Arouri was a senior political figure within Hamas and a founding member of its military branch, the al-Qassam Brigades. He also had strong ties with Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party and militant group similar to Hamas.

Saleh al-Arouri was one of the key masterminds of the October 7 Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of some 240 others. He was also allegedly involved in the 2014 kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teenagers in Judea and Samaria (West Bank).

The United States designated al-Arouri as a terrorist in 2015 and issued a $5 million bounty for information about him.

Spokespersons for Hezbollah, the Lebanese government, and Hamas have attributed the attack to Israel. However, Israeli officials have largely remained silent on the matter.

Hezbollah specifically described the attack as “a serious assault on Lebanon, its people, its security, sovereignty, and resistance, and the highly symbolic and significant political and security messages it contains."

The group also said the attack was "a dangerous development in the course of the war... [and] this crime will never pass without response and punishment". "Its hand is on the trigger, and its resistors are in the highest levels of readiness and preparedness."

Hamas is reported by Al Jazeera as saying the attack was a “cowardly assassination,” adding that attacks on Palestinians “inside and outside Palestine will not succeed in breaking the will and steadfastness of our people, or undermining the continuation of their valiant resistance”. The group added that the “[attack] proves once again the abject failure of this enemy to achieve any of its aggressive goals in the Gaza Strip.” 

Meanwhile a spokesperson for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari discussed the group’s readiness for any possible outcome in a press briefing:

“The IDF is in a very high state of readiness in all arenas, in defense and offense. We are highly prepared for any scenario. The most important thing to say tonight is that we are focused and remain focused on fighting Hamas… we are operating above and below ground, eliminating terrorists and continuing to destroy terrorist infrastructure…we will continue to respond to any attacks against our territory.”

As yet, it is unclear how and when Hezbollah or Lebanon will respond. In Israel, people within 30km of the Lebanon border were told on Tuesday evening to sleep near bomb shelters. 

What is the Significance of al-Arouri’s Assassination?

Al-Arouri's assassination occurred just about a month after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to eliminate all Hamas leaders “wherever they are.” The killing of al-Arouri outside Gaza in the heart of southern Beirut seemingly emphasizes Israel's commitment to this pledge — although Israel hasn't been implicated in the attack.

Al-Arouri's assassination sends a stern warning, given al-Arouri's senior position and the place of his killing. His death signifies the potential consequences other leaders of Hamas and other anti-Israel military groups may face in the future. 

Some political commentators speculate that the recent drone strike could result in a serious escalation of the war. They suggest that the conflict may spread to neighboring countries and armed groups. 

Overall, Saleh al-Arouri's assassination has apparently changed the course of the Hamas-Israel war. It is unclear how events may unfold in the aftermath of his death, but God watches over Israel and His people are in His hands.

In this article, we’ll delve into Israel’s agriculture history, examine how government policies have exacerbated its success, and outline some of the finest Israeli AgriTech enterprises and achievements. Written by: Harry Stewart for Sar-El Tours

In this article, we’ll delve into Israel’s agriculture history, examine how government policies have exacerbated its success, and outline some of the finest Israeli AgriTech enterprises and achievements. 

How Israeli Agriculture Technology is Changing The World For The Better

Israel has a long and proud history of innovation, from biblical times to the modern-day.  

Dubbed the ‘startup nation,’ this technological powerhouse boasts more science-related startups per capita than any other nation on earth. Despite housing a mere 9 million inhabitants, its venture capital funding is second only to the United States.

And while world-changing innovations like the firewall, the USB flash drive and the PillCam (a capsule endoscopy) are among the most celebrated achievements, it’s Israel’s advanced Agricultural Technology that could be the key to a better world. 

Dubbed “AgTech” or “agritech” by those in the know, this ever-evolving sector has revolutionized how we harvest, prepare, package, and distribute food. Israel sits at the forefront of the field and will continue finding innovative solutions to strengthen world food security—one of the most pressing problems facing the future of humanity. 

And to finish up, we’ll show you how you can visit Israel yourself to see the miracle of agriculture technology first hand. 

With a sparse arid landscape to call home, Israelis have always needed to find innovative new ways to cultivate crops. Some two-thirds of the nation classifies as arid or semi-arid, and much of the soil quality is poor. Natural water resources are scarce, and precipitation is virtually unheard of during the scorching summer months. 

As vast distances separate Israel from other vital agricultural markets, its people have long been left to fend for their own. 

From early farming practices to the high-tech solutions of the modern age, Israel has undertaken a tremendous agricultural transformation to become a world leader in the field. And in the process, it has fortified national food security, established lucrative export markets, and revolutionized agriculture and water management on a global scale. 

A great deal of Israeli’s agricultural success is tied to its history. 

From the beginning, Biblical influences, evolving ideologies, and government initiatives have shaped Israel’s agricultural transformation. To understand how the miracle of Israeli agriculture technology has become a modern-day reality, we must first delve into the past.  

The Jewish people have had strong ties to agriculture since Biblical times. 

Tiling the ground and rearing cattle were everyday tasks in the ancient era. Upon gaining possession of the Promised Land, the Israelites excelled at the art of agriculture and made it the basis of their society and religion.

The Jewish lunisolar calendar is inextricably linked to the land. Major festivals and events coincide with the first fruits of the season, while six key agricultural periods divide the year. For six months, from the middle of Tishrei to halfway through Nisan, early Israelites focused their efforts on cultivation and spent the remainder harvesting fruits. 

Irrigation from mountainous streams enriched the soil, and the application of manure fertilized crops. In the days of Solomon, some 20,000 measures of wheat were shipped to Hiram in exchange for timber, while the Tyrians traded grain for wares. Figs, pomegranates, grapes, and olives were all abundant in Biblical times. 

Numerous verses in the Bible govern early Israeli agriculture, ensuring crops could be shared fairly among those most in need. Here we present two examples: 

A passerby was at liberty to eat any quantity of corn or grapes, but he was not permitted to carry away any (Deuteronomy 23:24-25; Matthew 12:1).

A forgotten sheaf in the field was to be left also for the poor. (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19.)

An extended period of diaspora saw Israel’s agricultural identity diminish. With the Jewish people spread over the globe, traditional farming practices were at risk of being forgotten. 

However, in the late 19th century, a re-emergence occurred with the modern Zionist movement of Central and Eastern Europe. Socialist influences from Russia helped re-establish the Land of Israel as a Jewish nation with farming at the forefront and agricultural excellence as a national mission. 

Inspired by the Zionist movement, young European immigrants came to cultivate the land, a monumental task fraught with hardship. Diseases such as typhoid, malaria, and cholera were rampant, causing many to succumb to an early demise. The terrain was equally unforgiving—the Judaean Mountains were rugged and rocky, the upper Jordan Valley a treacherous swamp, and the entire south a barren, desert-like wasteland. 

Work began on constructing terraces, clearing rocky fields, cleansing salty soil, draining swamplands, and widespread re-forestation. Despite having minimal agricultural experience, a strong commitment to ideology and extreme perseverance saw these early pioneers redefine the inhospitable landscape.

The Emergence of the Kibbutzim and Moshavim

Establishing farmlands across such vast and forbidding terrain required enormous capital. Inspired by socialist Zionist philosophies, the agricultural pioneers of the early 20th century devised a framework to obtain the necessary resources: farming co-operatives known as the kibbutz. 

These egalitarian institutions adhered to a communal ideology and aspired to become fully self-sufficient. A central governing body pooled resources from every member, each of whom was entitled to equal compensation regardless of profession. A centralized, future-focused planning system helped overcome hardship by defining which farmers could grow what crops and where.  

In the same era, Labour Zionists devised a similar system known as the moshav, which emphasized community labor. Each moshavnik family maintained its own property and tended to its own fields, undertaking the commercialization of produce in a co-operative approach. 

Both systems were fundamental to the history of agriculture in Israel, forming tight-knit rural communities focused on equality and cooperation. And each remains at the forefront today—together, they account for 76% of the nation’s fresh food output. 

Upon achieving independence in 1948, Israel inherited a sophisticated system of infrastructure from Britain. A high-quality railway and road system enabled Israelis to transport produce around the country with great speed and efficiency.  

Former British networks also played a crucial role. The Empire Marketing Board, for example, gave Israel a platform to export produce throughout the Commonwealth. 

Established in 1929, the Citrus Board proved particularly pivotal in expanding Israel’s citrus fruit market. Local co-operatives grew large quantities of fruit through irrigated orchids and sold it to the Board, who would then export the produce to Britain and beyond. By the 1930s, the tiny nation of Israel had become the fourth largest citrus fruit exporter in the world. 

The British Empire also left a robust medical and educational system, with a life expectancy some 20 years higher than the regional average. Despite many immigrants lacking agricultural experience, the highly educated Israeli populous had the expertise to succeed.

An Unwavering Government Commitment To Agriculture 

The Israeli government has held a steadfast commitment to developing the agricultural industry from day one, an approach fundamental to the country’s success.

For the first few decades after independence, around one-third of Israel’s parliamentary members came from kibbutz or moshav communities. Top-level government decision-makers embraced the ideology of promoting agriculture as a national mission. 

The Labor Party, which represents farmers and workers, held power for almost 30 years (1948 to 1970) and worked tirelessly to promote agricultural interests. Even the country’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, was a former farmer, as was approximately half of his cabinet. 

In the 1950s and 60s, Ben-Gurion allocated a whopping 30% of his national budget towards agriculture and water infrastructure. One project of particular importance was a 250 km pipeline from the Sea of Galilee to the Negev desert, bringing much-needed water to the settlements of the arid region. Enormous sums of money were thrown into farming and agricultural research, further transforming the southern deserts into fertile agricultural lands. 

Ben-Gurion’s government later institutionalized the Citrus Board, effectively giving it exclusive control of the industry. It was a controversial move at the time, but the gamble paid off. Exports rose to 1 million tons by 1967, accounting for 95% of Israel’s entire export market. 

In the 1950s and 60s, the Ministry of Agriculture ran an agriculture investment grant program, handing out vast sums of cash for greenhouse, land preparation, and farming initiatives. In the same era, the government made more large-scale investments in electrical, transport, and logistics infrastructure. Water reservoirs and road networks followed, allowing struggling farmers to flourish. 

In the 1970s, the Israeli government assigned a portion of the country to grow vegetables. Market research found these had excellent export potential, and the program became a resounding success. 

Israeli politicians made shrewd decisions to invest in upcoming subsectors and divest away from weaker ones. Funding was cut from floriculture, for example, when cheap Kenyan labor made local production unviable—the shekels shifted towards more profitable products like vegetables and tree crops instead. 

The Israeli government’s unwavering commitment to developing its agriculture sector continues into the modern era. In the 1990s, Prime Minister Shimon Peres prioritized promoting Israeli produce on the world stage. Later, in 2001, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon increased funding to the water sector substantially. His large scale construction of desalination plants and aquifers in the 2000s became fundamental to the success of the sector today. 

A World Leader In Research and Development

Although history and governance have been fundamental to Israel’s agricultural prowess, one mustn’t discount the role of research and development. 

Israel has invested massively over the years into the state-run Agricultural Research Organization - Volcani Center. Its goal is to serve the farmer and the industry as a whole, developing cutting edge technologies to solve real-world issues. 

Some 200 Volcani scientists, who receive generous salary packages to attract the brightest in the field, are evaluated on how applicable their research is to the industry. Scientists work closely with farmers to develop innovative solutions to pressing real-world problems, and there’s an omnipresent focus on applied research. The Volcani Center has established bespoke research projects to resolve everything from optimizing jojoba farming practices to engineering unsweetened varieties of dates. 

The six core research disciplines at the Volcani Center are:

In 2015, it launched the Gilat Center for Arid and Semi-Arid Agricultural Research to find solutions for Israel’s limited water resources in the face of climate change. Agriculture in arid conditions, reversing desertification, wastewater irrigation, and freshwater aquaculture are among its core objectives. The center also develops new crop strains and genetically modified animals that can better adapt to the hostile climates of the future.

The Volcani Center’s research and development initiatives have enabled Israelis to grow crops in the desert by turning once inhospitable landscapes into verdant breadbaskets. And it will continue seeking new technology solutions for the agricultural industry in the face of climate change.

Israeli Enterprises In The Agriculture Technology Field

We’ve examined how government initiatives have bolstered Israel’s agricultural prowess—but what about the private sector? 

The highly entrepreneurial nation of Israel is awash with private enterprises that have a keen interest in Agriculture Technology (AgTech). Considered a nascent industry not long ago, the AgTech sector is now buzzing with opportunity. Offshoots such as Food Tech and Water Tech, in particular, have been garnering impressive investments in recent years. 

Israel’s meteoric rise in these upcoming industries can largely be attributed to two factors.

First, Israel is a traditional hub for technological innovation. The density of startups in Israel is on par with the San Francisco Bay Area—the country has a high proportion of patents per capita and scores of developers vying for the attention of tech-savvy investors. Israelis are a creative bunch—the national dish of cuscus came about due to a drop in rice availability. 

Second, Israel already has extensive experience in the agritech sector. Government agricultural grants get handed out willy-nilly, and research and development comes part of the national psyche. Meanwhile, a precarious geopolitical situation prompts Israelis to develop more self-sufficient farming practices, while its harsh environment turns the focus towards food and water security. 

Every three years, the country hosts Agritech Israel, an international agriculture technology exhibition that attracts thousands of delegates from dozens of countries worldwide. Desertification, water deficiency, climate change and extreme weather are common topics of discussion, and participants range from government entities to entrepreneurs, investors, farmers, and researchers. The next conference is planned to take place in Tel Aviv in May 2021 , COVID-19 permitting. 

Israeli food AgTech startups acquired a collective $103 million in equity investment back in 2018, on par with larger nations like Australia and India. 

Some 350 AgTech startups entered the fray in the last decade, with an average of 37 new startups each year since 2014. Startup Nation Finder reports there are currently over 400 AgTech startups in Israel, collectively raising $300 million in 2019. 

The growing trend points towards an industry-wide resurgence driven by robust global demand for clean, efficient, and sustainable technology. With a well-established reputation for excellence in fields like robotics, science, AI, and software, it’s little wonder Israeli startups have bitten into a generous slice of the food tech pie. 

And the demand for these technologies is only set to skyrocket with the onset of climate change. Rising temperatures and accelerated desertification will put tremendous strain on the world’s food and water supply. In the future, AgTech could become among the most important industries on earth.

While food tech was once constrained to dehydrated hiking rations and decaffeinated iced mochas, it’s come a long way since then. Exciting fields like stem-cell research, tissue engineering, cellular agriculture, and nanotechnology are promising to revolutionize the multi-billion dollar food industry, offering compelling solutions for our food security woes. 

With proven prowess in technological innovation, Israeli startups are tempting investors and policymakers with a dizzying array of ideas. And to give you a taste of what Israeli food-tech startups are cooking, we’ve compiled a list of the leading players in the market today. 

Hargol began exporting its grasshopper-infused protein powder to North America in 2017; it sources the mineral-rich insect from a commercial-grade farm in Israel. Insect farming is significantly more sustainable than livestock rearing, and the company is continuing to find new ways to optimize the process.

Some questions people are asking about Israels' Agriculture Tech Industry

What is Israel's agriculture technology industry? Israel's agriculture technology industry is a vibrant and innovative sector that is focused on developing new technologies and techniques to improve the productivity and efficiency of agriculture.

Why is Israel a leader in agriculture technology? Israel's success in the agriculture technology industry is due to several factors, including its climate, strong research and development infrastructure, and commitment to using technology to improve agriculture.

What are some of the key innovations in Israel's agriculture technology industry? Some key innovations in Israel's agriculture technology industry include advanced irrigation technologies, precision agriculture techniques, and biotechnology to improve crop yields and quality.

What are the main challenges facing Israel's agriculture technology industry? One of the main challenges facing Israel's agriculture technology industry is the country's limited water resources. As a result, Israeli farmers and technology companies have had to develop innovative solutions to make the most efficient use of water.

How is Israel's agriculture technology industry contributing to the global agriculture sector? Israel's agriculture technology industry is making a significant contribution to the global agriculture sector by developing innovative technologies and techniques that are helping to increase the productivity and sustainability of agriculture around the world.

Transforming Israel's Desert: Innovative Agriculture | FULL EPISODE | Insights on TBN Israel

From Irrigation to Precision Agriculture: The Cutting-Edge Technologies Developed in Israel

Israel is known for its advanced water technology, particularly in the areas of desalination and wastewater treatment. Due to the country's limited water resources, Israeli researchers and companies have developed a range of solutions for maximizing water efficiency and utilization.

Water technology is a key area of innovation and research in Israel. Due to the country's limited water resources, Israeli researchers and companies have developed a range of solutions for maximizing water efficiency and utilization.

Israel is known for its advanced water technology, particularly in the areas of desalination and wastewater treatment. The country's Sorek desalination plant is the largest desalination plant in the world, using reverse osmosis technology to produce 624,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day.

The primary innovative water technology that Israel is known for is desalination. The country has implemented advanced desalination techniques, such as reverse osmosis, to turn seawater into drinking water. This has allowed Israel to overcome its limited water resources and meet the needs of its growing population.

To make up for water scarcity in the dry parts of Israel, the country has implemented a range of water conservation measures. These include low-flow fixtures, wastewater recycling for agricultural use, and precision irrigation systems.

The technology used to extract freshwater from ocean water is called desalination. There are several different desalination techniques, but the most common method is reverse osmosis. This involves forcing seawater through a membrane with tiny pores, which filters out salt and other impurities to produce clean, drinkable water.

In addition to implementing water conservation measures and investing in water technology research and development, Israel has also formed partnerships with other countries to share knowledge and expertise in this area. For example, Israel has partnered with the United States to develop advanced water treatment technologies and share best practices in water management.

The success of Israel's water technology strategies has attracted global attention, with other countries looking to replicate its successes. In recent years, several countries have turned to Israel for guidance and assistance in developing their own water technology solutions.

One key factor in Israel's success in water technology is its strong ecosystem of startups and researchers working in this field. The country has a thriving startup culture, with many companies focused on water technology and management. This has allowed Israel to quickly develop and commercialize new technologies, helping to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

In conclusion, Israel's approach to water technology and management has been highly successful. The country has overcome its limited water resources through innovative solutions and a focus on research and development. As the world faces increasing challenges related to water availability, Israel's experience and expertise in this area may provide valuable insights and solutions for other countries.

Questions that people are asking about Israel's Water Technology

What makes Israel's water technology industry unique? 

One of the key factors that make Israel's water technology industry unique is the country's climate and geography. Israel is a water-scarce country, and its water technology industry has had to develop innovative solutions to address this challenge. This has led to a strong focus on technologies and techniques related to water conservation, water reuse, and desalination.

What are some of the key innovations and technologies developed in Israel's water sector? 

Some of the key innovations and technologies developed in Israel's water sector include advanced irrigation technologies, desalination plants, and wastewater treatment systems. Israeli companies have also developed innovative water-saving technologies for the home, such as low-flow showerheads and faucets.

How does Israel's water technology industry contribute to the country's economy and society? 

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