While the ocean surrounding Israel has generally been too warm for sharks in the past, there has been a sudden influx of two species on the country’s beaches. The sharks in question – the dusky shark and the sandbar shark – come in around late November and leave in May.
This sudden influx of sharks is due to the construction of power plants which led to the oceans becoming warmer. This makes them suitable for certain species to live in during colder times.
List of the Different Types of Sharks in Israel
Species | Maximum Size | Aggressiveness |
Blue Shark | 6-11 feet | Not aggressive |
Dusky Shark | 9 -12 feet | Not aggressive (until provoked) |
Sandbar Shark | 5.5-8.5 feet | Not aggressive |
Shortfin Mako Shark | 6.5-9.5 feet | Highly aggressive |
Whale Shark | 18-32 feet | Not aggressive |
FAQs
Do shark attacks occur in Israel?
There have been very, very, few shark attacks in Israeli waters, all of which have been non-fatal.
Do great white sharks live in the waters around Israel?
No, the waters around Israel are too warm for the great white shark.