Bat Yam in 1975.

Black Gold in Bat Yam

The Search for Black Gold: Oil Drilling in Bat Yam, 1975

In August 1975, the coastal city of Bat Yam briefly became the front line of Israel’s domestic energy exploration. Following global oil market shifts and rising regional energy security needs, test drilling rigs appeared right alongside urban residential streets.

While gas reserves were indeed detected off the coast of Bat Yam that same year, the drilling efforts were ultimately abandoned. For nearby residents, however, the project was defined by round-the-clock mechanical thunder, heavy fumes, and sleepless nights, a fascinating snapshot of mid-1970s infrastructure development colliding directly with daily civilian life.

Archival Details: Location: Bat Yam, Israel
Date: August 12, 1975
Source: Dan Hadani Collection, The National Library of Israel