Police Use Force Against Yeruham Mayor During Protest Over KKL Funding Cut

Yeruham Mayor Adv. Nili Aharon was physically assaulted by police during a peaceful, coordinated protest in the nearby local council of Omer on Tuesday. The protest was held in response to the Jewish National Fund's (KKL) unilateral decision to stop funding the operation of the Lake Park in Yeruham. About ten minutes after her arrival, police and special forces (Yasam) arrived, and according to the municipality, one officer forcibly pushed Mayor Aharon to the ground, applied significant physical force, and attempted to handcuff her. Numerous special forces units were called to the scene.

Following the incident, Mayor Aharon was taken by ambulance to Soroka Medical Center due to her medical history, which includes two cardiac stents, and abnormal medical indicators that developed after the use of force. She is currently undergoing medical tests and observation. The mayor of Omer clarified to the police that Aharon's presence was coordinated and authorized.

The protest stems from KKL's decision to halt payments for the park's operation, jeopardizing the livelihoods of many workers and the future of one of Yeruham's key public assets. Approximately 40 million shekels intended for park development have been frozen for over four years, while KKL leadership has consistently refused to meet with the mayor or her team or engage in meaningful dialogue. The Yeruham municipality condemned KKL's unilateral actions and the police violence against the mayor, demanding an immediate and thorough investigation and calling on KKL to reverse its decision and resume negotiations to stop harming Yeruham residents and park employees.