Take advantage of the situation: In April, 154 demolition orders were issued for new illegal construction • Most significant increase: Southern District with 100 new orders

• Illegal construction in the south

  Photo: 

  Oren Ben Hakun

According to data from the Ministry of Finance's Office for Enforcement, during April, no fewer than 154 demolition orders were issued for new illegal construction, compared with 87, 90 and 90 in March-February (respectively). 

Since the orders go out after the illegal construction is found, most of the orders issued in April reflect the increase in construction in March.

By region, it was evident that most of the new orders were issued in the Southern District, where the most significant increase was recorded: 100 new orders in April, compared with 54, 68 and 158 in the previous three months. 

The orders come on the back of a dramatic increase in illegal construction in recent months. Our data include the data from January to March, and therefore only partially reflect the illegal construction during the Corona period. Due to the nature of the land and other restrictions, the data for the Southern District is more complex and not segmented by month. However, information from "Israel Today" from various sources indicates that some 150 new construction starts were identified in the Southern District during the period. 

The increase in illegal construction stems from directing the Israeli police's resources to enforce the Corona regulations, leaving inspectors on the ground without the necessary police backing. As a result, many warrants issued in the past have not been handled and enforced, and it is estimated that by June, more than 200 warrants will be issued in the Southern District. 

Information we received indicates that since the Corona eruption there has been a dramatic reduction in police assistance for enforcement operations. 

From the Land Enforcement Authority: "We are making great efforts to curb the trend."

Israel Police: "Continually assisting various inspectors and authorities in carrying out tasks related to the enforcement of land law."