1. To protect the coastal environment, its natural and heritage assets, to restore and preserve them as a resource of unique value, and to prevent and reduce as far as possible any damage to them;
2. To preserve the coastal environment and the coastal sand for the benefit and enjoyment of the public, for present and future generations;
3. To establish principles and limitations for the sustainable management, development and use of the coastal environment.

Under the law, sea and shore are considered one integral unit which extends from Israel?s territorial waters to 300 meters inland. This entire area is considered a public resource which is to be preserved and protected from damage. To do this, the law sets out several major provisions, as follows:

• Prohibition of damage to the coastal environment;
• Assurance of an open public right of way along the entire length of the shore area;
• Possibility for the Minister of the Environment to impose a fee for the protection of the coastal environment on owners or holders of coastal facilities considered to cause damage to the coastal environment, which will be paid to the Maintenance of Cleanliness Fund;
• Possibility for the Minister of the Environment to issue an order to prevent or remove environmental damage so as to restore the coastal environment to its former state;
• Possibility for the Minister of the Environment to appoint inspectors to supervise the implementation of the law's provisions;
• Imposition of severe penalties for damage to the coastal environment;
• Establishment of a Protection of the Coastal Environment Committee, which will be responsible for decisions on coastal development plans, taking into account such considerations as preventing damage to the coastal environment, preserving the coast for public benefit, assuring public access to the coast and conserving nature, landscape and heritage values.

		Protection of the Coastal Environment Law, 2004 - Unofficial Translation
(100KB)