Kfar Saba Municipality Faces New Probe Over Building Violations

The Israel Land Authority has issued a warning to Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and municipal officials for failing to report building violations within the city. This action comes just three weeks after it was revealed that 17 local authorities were not properly investigating building offenses, thereby violating the law themselves. Saar and his wife were recently released to house arrest after two weeks of detention related to suspicions of corruption within the municipality, with a six-month travel ban imposed on them.

The Land Authority's findings highlight severe issues with building violations across Israel. All local planning and building committees are legally obligated to conduct surveys of building violations every five years. However, a review at the beginning of the month found that 17 committees, including Kfar Saba, had not completed this required survey. The authority has contacted these committees, demanding they complete the surveys and is considering further action due to the non-compliance.

Kfar Saba is among the 17 committees that have not submitted the updated survey despite official reminders sent in August 2025 and February 2026, and further attempts to advance the matter. The Land Authority has given Kfar Saba's committee 14 days to begin the survey. If they fail to comply, the authority will hire an external company to conduct the survey and charge the committee double the cost, utilizing its legal authority.

A spokesperson for the Land Authority stated that the building violation survey is a fundamental tool for effective enforcement and upholding the rule of law. Committees that neglect this duty impair their ability to identify and address violations systematically and transparently. The authority is committed to ensuring all committees fulfill their legal obligations and will use its powers when necessary to protect the public interest.