Mekorot on B'Tselem report: Water supply to West Bank remains high

By EHUD ZION WALDOKS, JPOST.COM STAFF
Mekorot on Tuesday denied allegations made by B'Tselem that Israel is creating a severe water shortage in the West Bank through a discriminatory policy, saying it provided more water to the West Bank than was required under the Oslo agreement. The company said it provided 500 million cubic meters per year, or 30 percent more than required under Oslo. Moreover, despite water cutbacks and severe shortage in Israel, the water supply to the West Bank had even increased, it said. The company also accused Palestinian water thieves of stealing up to 50 percent of supply in some areas, such as Bethlehem and Hebron. Israel supplies 80% of the West Bank's water needs.