Knesset committee holds debate on climate engineering claims

The Knesset's Interior Affairs and Environment Committee convened a session this week to examine assertions that particles are being dispersed in the atmosphere to alter weather patterns. The meeting was called by committee chairman MK Yitzhak Kroizer and MK Limor Son Har-Melech.

Representatives from Israel's Meteorological Service, Hydrological Service, and Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry stated they were not aware of any particle dispersal experiments or active measures in Israeli airspace. Dr. Amir Givati, Meteorological Service Director, said the main human intervention in the atmosphere comes from industry and vehicles.

Background on the claims The session was requested after an article appeared last week about Stardust Solutions, a company developing particles intended to reflect solar radiation if dispersed in large quantities. Supporters of the claims linked the article to their assertions.

Dr. Yehuda Turan of the Knesset Research and Information Center told the committee that climate engineering research examines artificial methods to cool the Earth but that, to his knowledge, no open-air experiments are underway. He added that the required aircraft and technology do not currently exist.

Statements from participants Speakers from the organization Operation Bluesky described observations of persistent trails and changes in sky appearance that they attributed to aluminum particles. One speaker, identifying himself only as attorney Aryeh, said he had contacted the Israel Air Force without receiving a response.

Udi Avni, co-CEO of Greenpeace Israel, said the debate gave a platform to easily refutable claims and called it a low point for the Knesset. Audience members interrupted with shouts during his remarks.