KKL Chairman Condemns Yeruham Mayor’s Violent Council Clash Over Park Funding Dispute

A violent confrontation erupted on Tuesday evening at the Omer local council building when Nili Aharon, mayor of Yeruham, clashed physically with police officers during a protest. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions over Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) halting payments for the operation of the Yeruham Lake Park, a key public asset in Yeruham. KKL chairman Eyal Ostrinsky described Aharon’s behavior as "violent, extreme, and erratic," accusing her of forcibly entering the Omer council building and holding its staff "hostage" to her whims. He detailed how Aharon used a megaphone aggressively and attempted multiple times to break into a meeting, disrupting council operations and forcing police intervention.

Ostrinsky rejected Aharon’s claims that KKL’s decision to stop funding the park endangered local workers and stalled development projects. He stated that KKL had already invested 20 million shekels physically in the park and budgeted an additional 40 million shekels, including funds from donations and a recent agreement with the Israel Land Authority. Ostrinsky accused Aharon of freezing cooperation after assuming office by demanding to alter an already approved plan and failing to transfer land to KKL’s jurisdiction as agreed. He also said KKL had made efforts to meet with her, including a Zoom meeting in April and proposed follow-ups, all declined by Aharon, who then threatened legal action.

In response, Mayor Aharon condemned Ostrinsky’s remarks as defamatory and an attempt to divert attention from KKL’s alleged unilateral and irresponsible decision harming Yeruham residents and park employees. She denied threatening anyone or taking hostages, calling the accusations baseless and labeling Ostrinsky’s conduct as verbal bullying lacking basic respect and responsibility. Aharon demanded a public apology and urged KKL to resume dialogue and clarify the park’s future funding and staffing. She vowed to continue fighting for the rights and welfare of Yeruham’s citizens despite the ongoing conflict.

The dispute highlights a broader struggle over public resource management and local governance in southern Israel, with KKL and Yeruham council at an impasse over financial commitments and project control. The situation remains unresolved, with legal proceedings initiated and no immediate plans for renewed negotiations announced.