Israeli Farmers Protest Proposed Dairy Reform by Finance Minister

On January 5, 2026, hundreds of Israeli farmers organized protests across the country in response to proposed dairy reforms by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The protests involved blocking roads at ten major junctions nationwide. The central concern among demonstrators is that the proposed reforms would significantly reduce domestic milk production while increasing the importation of dairy products.

The proposed changes have raised fears among farmers that approximately 400 dairy farms could face closure. The Israel Farmers Federation has highlighted the potential negative impact on food security and local agriculture, labeling farmers as the 'Iron Dome' of the country's food security. Amit Ifrach, chair of the federation, emphasized that the reforms could lead to a dangerous dependence on imports and threaten communities in strategic areas like the Galilee and Arava regions.

In addition to dairy production issues, the proposed reform is also criticized for its potential impact on other agricultural sectors such as field crops, which provide roughage to dairy farms. Farmers argue that the reforms could lead to the abandonment of agricultural land and weaken Israel's agricultural infrastructure.

Farmers have also expressed discontent with the government's current trade policies, which include duty-free importation of agricultural products from countries like the United States while imposing tariffs on Israeli exports. This, they argue, further jeopardizes the viability of local agriculture without offering necessary support.

Dagan Yarel, CEO of the Israeli Cattle Breeders' Association, has called the reform a national threat, suggesting it could lead to a complete dependence on dairy imports, including from potentially hostile countries. Yarel and other agricultural leaders are urging the Finance Ministry to reconsider the reform and engage in transparent discussions with stakeholders before irreversible damage occurs.