Israel Halts Housing Program Certificates Amid Eligibility Rule Changes

Israel's Ministry of Construction and Housing has temporarily suspended the issuance and renewal of certificates for participation in the "Dira be-Anaha" (Apartment for Me) subsidized housing program. The pause is a direct result of revised eligibility criteria mandated by the Supreme Court and the Israel Land Authority Council.

The updated rules specifically target individuals who are considered conscription-eligible by the army but have not regularized their military service status. This change affects not only new applicants but also those already on waiting lists for previous lotteries.

The ministry is currently updating its information systems to implement the new criteria. The issuance and renewal of certificates are expected to resume on October 5.

Upcoming lotteries for the program will feature hundreds of apartments in Beit Shemesh and Sderot. Additional housing opportunities will be available in Kiryat Shmona, Mitzpe Ramon, Safed, Sakhnin, Karmiel, and Nahariya. A further round is planned for the new Yoni Netanyahu neighborhood in Dimona.

The "Dira be-Anaha" program primarily serves citizens who do not own a home. To enter a specific project lottery, participants must possess a valid eligibility certificate on the application submission date.