Police Clash With Yeruham Mayor During Protest Over KKL Funding Cuts

A protest over Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) budget cuts escalated into a physical confrontation between police and Nili Aharon, mayor of Yeruham, at the Omer local council building on Tuesday. Police arrived to arrest Aharon following a complaint related to her protest against KKL chairman Eyal Ostrinsky. Aharon posted on Facebook that officers used significant physical force, including pushing her to the ground and handcuffing her, while reinforcements from the riot police were called to the scene. She was subsequently taken by ambulance to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for observation and tests.

Aharon’s protest was sparked by KKL’s decision to halt funding for the operation of the Yeruham Lake Park, which she said harms residents and threatens the future of a key public asset. Police stated that Aharon refused to accompany them initially, leading to threats of arrest, but later apologized. The mayor of Omer, Erez Badash, who had summoned the police, withdrew his complaint to prevent Aharon’s arrest, explaining that her protest had disrupted a meeting at his office. Badash emphasized respect for freedom of expression but stressed the need to maintain public order.

Badash also criticized Aharon for entering the council building and meeting room unannounced and with a megaphone. He concluded by wishing Aharon health and success and reaffirmed commitment to cooperation for the benefit of the Negev region’s residents.