Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced that Israel’s beaches who still charge entrance fees will be a thing of the past. There are 136 authorized beaches in Israel but many of Israel’s nicest beaches – including in Ashkelon, in Nahariya, in Tiberias and Tel Aviv Hof Hatzuk – charge a fee for entrance. The idea was that this “symbolic” payment was to pay for cleanliness and upkeep of the beach. But over time, the charges rose, sometimes to 30 NIS per child and 60 NIS per adult. If you factor in parking too, that’s quite an expense for a day of fun in the sun.
On 13th March 2016, the Minister announced that the charges will be removed for the majority of Israel’s beaches. The fees will be lifted with the upkeep budget for beaches coming from another source. This will affect most beaches. The idea is to extend it to all but a decision from the Attorney General is pending regarding the beaches that are run by the National Parks Authority: Beit Yanai in North Netanya, Palmachim beach in South Rishon Lezion, Ashkelon Coast National Park, Habonim Beach and Achziv National Park Beach.
There is free entrance to Netanya’s Poleg, Argaman, Sironit and Seasons Beach, though there may be a fee for parking depending where you park.
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