Committee under national economic adviser Avi Simhon wants shuttering of Bazan, Kiryat Haim oil storage facility and transfer of Haifa Chemicals to Negev

While three-quarters of those surveyed acknowledge the need to act on environmental concerns, only a third take it into account in casting their ballots

Panel has three months to publish findings that will focus on future of petrochemical and heavy industries that pollute but also create jobs

'Without industry, there is no Haifa,' says slogans from a new social media campaign claiming that emissions are down and seeking to shift blame for pollution

Contradicting warnings that Lebanon disaster is a wake-up call for northern port city, Dan Shechtman says 'people in Haifa die slowly from air pollution'

Officials in northern port city see blasts in Lebanese capital as 'wake-up call,' urge government to speed up efforts to move dangerous oil, petrochemical industries away from bay

In landmark move, National Economic Council and Environmental Protection Ministry recommend shutdown of Bazan facilities, to be replaced with green residential and commercial hub

Heavily redacted paper written for PM's office recommends shutting down Bazan facilities rather than relocation, but shies from any decisive conclusions

Environment minister says fall of cooling tower a 'significant symbol' of new beginning for Israel's most polluted city

Additional fines of NIS 30,000 to 50,000 handed to three managers for failing to implement company rules, violating environmental permits