Pinus halepensis plantations are widespread throughout semiarid-subhumid landscapes of the Mediterranean. Recently, drought-induced decline has often been reported raising concerns with regard to the future of these man-made ecosystems. The study was set out to investigate thinning as a means to alleviate water stress and improve performance of mature P. halepensis plantations experiencing prolonged drought. The study was conducted in a 40-year-old P. halepensis forest in the Jerusalem Mountains of Israel (rainfall: 550 mm year -1 ). Declining stands (stand basal area increment, BAI stand & -3 % year -1 ) were treated by thinning: (1) intense thinning-tree density, BA stand , and leaf area index (LAI) reduced by 81, 68, and 59 %, respectively; (2) moderate-56, 48, and 26 %, respectively;(3) control (*560 tree ha -1 ). Plots of 70 9 70 m were used in four replicates. Individual tree-to stand-level variables were monitored during 4 years through stem and leaf area metrics alongside with predawn shoot water potential (w PD ) and tree mortality. Thinning ameliorated drought stress, reduced mortality, and improved individual tree growth (w PD = -1.7, -1.8, and -2.0 MPa; mortality = 0.2, 2, and 5 % year -1 ; BAI tree = 3.4, 2.0, and 1.4 % year -1 in intense, moderate, and control treatments, respectively). Thinning effects became more pronounced with time. LAI and individual tree leaf area (LA tree ) fluctuated with association to annual rainfall. Higher LA tree caused by thinning reflected a ''selection effect'' while increased leaf area efficiency (BAI per unit LA tree ) was attributed to a ''release effect'' of thinning.