Israeli Reservists Face Unexpected High Costs for Land Near Lebanon Border Despite Government Promises

Alon Ashkenazi, a 28-year-old reservist from Metula with over 600 days of service since October 2023, and his partner Doron Cohen, applied for a land tender from the Israel Land Authority to build their home near the ruins of the Lebanese village of Kfar Kila. Government ministers had promised reservists along the northern and Gaza border areas that land costs would be only 50,000 shekels. However, Ashkenazi recently received a payment demand for 378,000 shekels upfront, with only a partial refund of 145,000 shekels after construction begins. This means he and dozens of other reservists in Metula must immediately raise nearly half a million shekels to proceed.

Ashkenazi expressed shock and disappointment, saying the government did not fully disclose the true costs and that while they want to live on the border as encouraged, the financial burden is overwhelming. In July 2025, after public pressure, the government approved subsidies for 1,000 plots in dozens of border communities near Lebanon and Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the move as historic, and Minister Ze'ev Elkin called it an unprecedented benefit. However, the subsidies only cover public development costs, not the expensive private plot preparation such as excavation and retaining walls required by the mountainous terrain.

Local Metula Council head David Azulai criticized the gap between promises and reality, urging government reconsideration. The state requires full payment for development costs upfront, with partial reimbursement only after building starts, aiming to encourage actual settlement and prevent speculation. The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to requests for comment. The Ministry of Construction and Housing clarified that no payment is charged for the land itself, only for public development, and that private plot work is excluded from subsidies. Ministers Elkin and Smotrich did not comment.

Ashkenazi summarized the sentiment in frontline communities: deciding to build and raise families in Metula is difficult and done with hope for state support and security, but currently, the government shows little willingness to sustain northern residents long-term.