Jerusalem, Jul 25 (IANS): Israel has announced a plan to restore and develop the southern course of the Jordan River.

The plan aims to increase the amount of water and cut pollution in the Israeli section of the river, with the establishment of a new desalination facility that will treat the polluted and salty water and make it suitable for agricultural purposes, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection.

"The rehabilitation of the southern Jordan River is more essential than ever and is possible due to the restoration of Israel's relations with Jordan, which allow both sides to address the issue jointly, along with international support," it added.

Israel hopes the Israeli section of the river will develop into a clean habitat with rich biodiversity and a tourist attraction, the statement noted.

Today, only about 70 million cubic meters of water flow in the southern course per year, mostly polluted and salty due to the activity of a nearby sewage treatment plant.