Court Orders Demolition of Unauthorized Bora Bora Beach on Sea of Galilee

A district court in Nazareth has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures and fencing at the Bora Bora private beach on the Sea of Galilee. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, came in response to a petition filed by the environmental group "Adam Teva V'Din" and Yael Dori, a planning representative for environmental organizations. The court found that the beach has operated for approximately 17 years with extensive illegal construction and without an approved plan, restricting public access and charging entry fees.

The court determined that the beach's operation, which had been permitted through temporary approvals over the years, constituted an improper use of temporary permits that had become a prolonged solution. The judges emphasized that construction on beaches must adhere to orderly and approved planning processes, and that the practice of planning and enforcement being separate is no longer acceptable.

"This ruling has significance far beyond the Bora Bora beach," stated Ortal Sanker from Adam Teva V'Din's legal department. She highlighted the court's clarification that temporary permits cannot be extended indefinitely and that building code violations cannot be ignored. Sanker added that the court sent an important message regarding all of Israel's coastlines, addressing both planning institutions and those attempting to illegally seize public beaches.

Yael Dori, head of planning at the organization, noted the ruling's importance for the entire Sea of Galilee coastline, where illegal construction often hinders the establishment of a public walking path near the water and restricts free access for visitors. The court's decision aims to ensure that public resources like beaches remain accessible to everyone.