Or Yehuda Recognized for Excellence in Land Enforcement

The Or Yehuda Local Planning and Building Committee and its Construction Supervision Department have been honored as one of nine outstanding committees in Israel for 2025 by the National Authority for Enforcement in Real Estate. The award was presented at a ceremony attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Avi Cohen, director of the National Authority for Enforcement in Real Estate.

Or Yehuda was selected alongside major cities like Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and Herzliya based on stringent professional criteria. These included maintaining an updated survey of building violations, developing a data-driven annual work plan, implementing transparent enforcement policies, fostering inter-departmental cooperation, meeting reporting obligations, and the scope and quality of administrative and criminal enforcement actions.

A significant factor in Or Yehuda's improved enforcement was its participation in the Authority's "Cities" project. This advanced technological initiative involves high-resolution aerial photography of the entire municipal area six times a year, enabling early detection and immediate halting of illegal construction.

Or Yehuda Mayor Liat Shochat expressed pride in the award, stating it signifies a fundamental change from years of illegal construction. She credited the professional teams for their dedicated work in establishing clear enforcement policies and addressing building offenses rigorously. Shochat highlighted that Or Yehuda is now a planned, growing, and developing city.

Minister Ben-Gvir emphasized that governance is built on decisive and professional enforcement, with local committees playing a crucial role in preventing violations and protecting public interest. Director Cohen praised the awardees for their consistent work, noting that the recognized committees serve as a model for others across Israel.