Kiryat Shmona Sues Government Over War Compensation Halt
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The municipality of Kiryat Shmona has petitioned Israel's High Court of Justice against the government's decision to end compensation for businesses impacted by the war. The city argues the termination dates, set for March and June 2025, lack justification and seeks an extension until the fighting ends or at least through 2026. The petition challenges a government decision that concluded the evacuation period for northern communities on February 28, 2025.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kiryat Shmona municipality filed a lawsuit against the Israeli government over war compensation.
- The city is challenging the termination of compensation for businesses affected by the war.
- The municipality argues the government's decision lacks proper justification.
- Kiryat Shmona seeks compensation to continue until the fighting ends or through 2026.
- The lawsuit was filed with the High Court of Justice (Bagatz).
The municipality of Kiryat Shmona has filed a petition with the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) against the Israeli government, the Minister of Finance, and the Tax Authority. The city is challenging the government's decision to cease compensation for businesses affected by the war, arguing that the termination dates were set without proper justification.
The municipality is requesting that the court cancel or amend the government's decision, as communicated by the Tax Authority on July 30, 2025, and by the Director of Property Tax and Compensation Fund in September. These directives state that businesses in Kiryat Shmona are no longer eligible for compensation under the "Red Track" for indirect damages after March 1, 2025, and any compensation after June 30, 2025. The "Red Track" is designed for businesses in border communities that can prove actual damages.
The petition highlights a Tax Authority notice from July 30, 2025, which cited Government Decision 2624 from December 29, 2024. This decision reportedly declared the evacuation period for northern communities, as part of previous government resolutions, to have ended on February 28, 2025.
Kiryat Shmona argues that this justification is insufficient. The municipality seeks a court order compelling the state to recognize the damage period for indirect compensation to its businesses as extending from the October 7, 2023, massacre until the government officially declares an end to the fighting. Alternatively, they are asking for the compensation period to be extended at least until the end of 2026.
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