Judge Slashes Fine for Illegal Caravan Park and Home Division

A local court in Kfar Saba has imposed a significantly reduced fine of NIS 40,000 on a couple who admitted to illegally dividing a residential structure and operating a caravan park on agricultural land in Ramat Hashavim. The case, which began with an indictment 18 months ago and concluded with a plea deal three months ago, saw the couple convicted of splitting an approved 2012 residence into two units and operating a 2,000-square-meter site with mobile caravans, storage units, and tents for living.

The South Sharon Local Planning Committee had sought a hefty NIS 150,000 fine, labeling the actions a "heavy economic offense" aimed at illicit profits. However, the defense presented arguments including claims of foreign encroachment necessitating the caravans and, crucially, allegations of selective enforcement, noting that despite thousands of divided homes within the council's jurisdiction, only a few indictments had been filed.

Judge Gil Gabai largely accepted the defense's arguments. He cited the low to moderate harm to protected values, the cessation of the irregular use, the couple's clean criminal record, their advanced age (over 70), and the wife's medical condition. Critically, the judge found merit in the selective enforcement claim regarding home divisions, which led to a substantial reduction in the penalty. The ruling noted that while home divisions are common in the area, indictments are rare, justifying a significant leniency.

Ultimately, each defendant received a NIS 20,000 fine (or three months' imprisonment in lieu), a NIS 40,000 bond for three years, and a compliance order for the residential structure to be regularized within six months. The stark difference between the committee's initial demand and the final NIS 40,000 penalty highlights the judge's findings on selective enforcement.