Talking about the proposed Marine Area Law - 2018 in Israel (2025)

At the recent Mediterranean Sea Conference in Haifa, Adv. Orin Shefler took the stage to explore one of Israel’s most pressing and overlooked frontiers: the sea.

In his talk, Orin walked the audience through Israel’s emerging marine regulation landscape, focusing on the proposed Marine Areas Law (2018) and the broader national vision for managing the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Orin spoke about the growing challenges facing Israel’s offshore space, rising environmental pressures, expanding gas and energy projects, and a patchwork of current laws.

He highlighted how the current system leaves critical gaps, especially when it comes to oversight and planning in areas beyond the coastline. Orin expressed views calling for a more coordinated, transparent, and forward-looking approach to marine governance.

Looking to the future, Orin pointed to the potential of offshore wind and floating solar projects, while stressing the need to protect marine ecosystems and cultural heritage along the way.

If Israel wants to unlock the promise of its “blue economy,” it should act to build a smarter, sustainable and transparent regulatory foundation, one that reflects both international best practices and local realities.