Why does Israel experience water shortages during some summers?

Israel experiences chronic water shortages because its hydraulic resources are fully utilized, with approximately three-fourths of its water supply dedicated to irrigation and the remainder used for industrial and household purposes.1

The country’s climate is characterized by two distinct seasons: a cool, rainy winter and a dry, hot summer. Because precipitation is limited to the rainy season, severe water shortages occur during the summer months in years when the rains arrive late or when total annual rainfall is below normal levels.2

To manage these constraints, Israel has developed extensive infrastructure to transport water from the Jordan River and Lake Tiberias to arid regions. Additionally, the country has invested in desalination technology, such as the large-scale reverse osmosis plant in Sorek, to supplement its limited natural water supply.34