Opponents say new emissions permit will see Nesher factory near Ramle in central Israel discharge even greater amounts of harmful mercury and other chemicals into air

Opponents urge Environment Ministry to reject Nesher factory's bid to use more dangerous waste and metals in fuel, raw materials

Rotem Energy Mineral Partnership given go ahead to order environmental survey for plan to mine shale oil in southern Israel, and heat it with plastic waste to create oil, power

Citing security considerations, military liaison to Palestinians says permits will only be issued to travel abroad; NGO slams move as 'extreme violation'

But Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd will not be allowed to start production before submitting detailed pilot program and erecting air quality monitoring stations, ministry says

Amid unofficial truce with Hamas, Palestinian officials say Israel has granted merchant permits to Gazans working in menial jobs such as construction, agriculture