Rotem Amfert Workers Protest in Jerusalem Over Plant Closure Fears
Rotem Amfert factory workers and local mayors protested in Jerusalem on Monday, demanding the approval of Pool 4 upgrades to prevent the closure of the Negev plant and secure 10,000 jobs.
Workers from the Rotem Amfert factory protested on Monday in Jerusalem over employment uncertainty surrounding the plant's future, joined by Dimona Mayor Beni Biton. The demonstration coincided with an appeal hearing regarding the upgrade of "Pool 4," a project workers and management consider critical to ensuring the site's continued operation.
Threats From Local Leadership
Mayor Biton issued a severe warning to decision-makers and planning institutions, stating: "Before they close the factory - I will close the Negev. Nothing will help anyone, livelihood is more important than everything." His remarks follow a sharp warning letter sent last week by the mayors of Beersheba, Arad, and Yeruham to the government regarding the socio-economic consequences of halting operations in the region.
The Struggle for the Negev
During the protest in the capital, workers held signs reading "Closing Rotem is the collapse of the periphery,The government is silent and the periphery collapses," and "Without employment in the Negev there is no revival." They claimed that closing the plant would lead to a collapse directly and indirectly affecting about 10,000 families in the south who depend on employment, procurement, and service circles surrounding its activity.
"We are standing here on behalf of thousands of families who have been living in uncertainty for years," emphasized Workers' Committee Chairman Moshe Hadad. "Behind every decision stand veteran and young workers, parents and families who just want to make an honest living."
At the background of the crisis lies the concern over exhausting the existing phosphate reservoir capacity ("Pool 5") during 2027. Upgrading "Pool 4" is intended to serve as a safe, temporary environmental solution until the permanent "Pool 6" is established. Demonstrators noted the plan was already approved by the district committee and passed judicial review by the Beersheba District Court, demanding an end to five years of bureaucratic stalling.
