Amos Luzon's Major Urban Renewal Project in Or Yehuda Faces Legal Challenge from Former Mayor

Luzon Ronson, owned by businessman Amos Luzon, has filed a request for a temporary restraining order at the Tel Aviv District Court against attorney and former Or Yehuda mayor Yitzhak Buchovza. The company claims Buchovza's involvement with residents of a large urban renewal project in Or Yehuda is acting in bad faith and risks derailing the development. The project, acquired by Luzon in 2016 through the purchase of construction company A. Dori, involves demolishing 128 apartments to build 744 new units across 12 towers. Initially co-owned by A. Dori Or Yehuda and Ela Ezra Investments, Luzon became sole owner in 2023 after buying out Ela Ezra's 50% stake for 105.5 million shekels.

Luzon's court filing alleges Buchovza has supported a family opposing the project by helping them establish a synagogue in a building shelter and submitting affidavits backing their stance. Buchovza is accused of misleading other residents by presenting himself as a project promoter while secretly aiding opponents, including organizing meetings where he blamed Luzon for delays. The lawsuit, submitted by attorneys Dudi Frahia and Kobi Assayag, claims Buchovza's actions violate legal ethics and could stall the project for months or years if even one resident changes their mind due to his influence.

Buchovza responded by calling the lawsuit an intimidation tactic, stating the project has been stalled for years due to disputes over compensation. He said he represents about 20 residents who have not signed agreements with Luzon and denied claims that the buildings are at risk of collapse, calling such assertions cynical and unsupported by the city engineer. Buchovza also criticized the absence of the residents' lawyer from the court filing and the lack of power of attorney documents attached to the request.