The Environmental Protection Ministry has issued a call for proposals to support local authorities in the western Negev with up to three million shekels, focusing on the Eshkol Regional Council to address the rodent infestation in the area. The ministry will cover up to 90% of approved expenses for prevention, monitoring, sanitary pest control and public awareness activities within the communities. Since the beginning of summer, the area has been hit by a plague of mice and rats. The rodents have invaded homes, bitten residents and caused damage to agricultural crops.