Israel’s Agricultural School Plan Approved Despite Public Access Protests in Gush Dan

The master plan for Mikveh Israel, Israel’s first agricultural school covering about 2,700 dunams in central Gush Dan, received final approval on Tuesday after the National Planning and Building Council’s appeals subcommittee rejected four appeals against it. The plan aims to regulate the school’s ongoing operation, preserve its heritage and landscape values, and gradually open parts of the site to the public.

The appeals were filed by Holon Municipality, its local planning committee, the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, Mikveh Israel’s management, and local residents. They raised concerns over public access, connectivity, preservation arrangements, fencing, and other planning issues. A key dispute centered on the extent of public access to the site.

The committee rejected demands from Holon and residents to open large additional areas to the public, ruling that Mikveh Israel should not be converted into a public park but maintain its unique status as the country’s first agricultural school under the Mikveh Israel Law. Conversely, it also dismissed the school’s request to prohibit all public access, endorsing a balanced approach that allows limited, gradual public entry while safeguarding the school’s educational activities.

The subcommittee approved new gates and a phased opening plan, finding no need for additional entrances or fencing at this stage. It recommended future consideration of extended public access hours if compatible with school operations, student safety, and legal objectives, in cooperation with relevant authorities.

The Planning Administration praised the decision as striking a proper balance between heritage preservation, educational use, and public accessibility. However, opponents criticized the ruling as insufficient, arguing that most of the largest open green space in Gush Dan will remain closed for years. Elad Hochman, CEO of Green Course, called the decision scandalous and vowed to continue legal battles to secure public access. Dr. Uri Sharon, a leading activist, accused the committee of ignoring public interest to favor a small group, pledging to persist in efforts to open the national heritage site to the wider community, especially residents of Holon and southern Tel Aviv.