| Nahal Betzet Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
| שמורת נחל בצת | |
 The arch known as Keshet Cave (Rainbow Cave), the remains of a large collapsed cave | |
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| Location | Upper Galilee,Israel |
| Nearest city | Nahariya |
| Coordinates | 33°04′22″N35°12′52″E / 33.0728°N 35.2144°E /33.0728; 35.2144 |
| Area | 7,650 dunams (7.65 km2; 2.95 sq mi) |
| Established | 1972 |
| Governing body | Israel Nature and Parks Authority |
Nahal Betzet (Hebrew:נחל בצת, lit. "Betzet stream";Arabic:وادي كركرة,Wadi Karkara), is a once-perennial and nowintermittent stream in theUpper Galilee,Israel. Most of it is part of thenature reserve named for the stream.
The stream crosses the border fromLebanon into Israel betweenShtula andZar'it, and flows westward, emptying into theMediterranean Sea south ofRosh HaNikra. The stream runs along ageological fault line throughdolomite andlimestone, and is fed along its course bysprings. Currently,Mekorot (the national water company) pumps the water of the stream's springs, and has been accused of causing the stream to dry up.[1] Many caves are formed on the banks of the stream, most notably the arch known asKeshet Cave (Rainbow Cave).
Most of the stream is part of a nature reserve that bears its name.[2] The reserve, declared in 1972 covers 7650-dunam[3] and part of it reaches the Israel-Lebanese border. In 2009, 1225 dunams were added to the reserve.
Flora in the area includesNerium oleander,Platanus orientalis, andAdiantum capillus-veneris.
| International | |
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| National | |
