National Security Ministry CEO Criticizes Real Estate Enforcement Authority's Management Amid Enforcement Decline

Raphael Engel, CEO of the National Security Ministry, sent a sharply worded letter to Avi Cohen, head of the Real Estate Enforcement Authority, accusing the authority's leadership of severe mismanagement and a drastic drop in enforcement activities nationwide. Engel claims that under Cohen's management, the authority has lost balance and is not functioning as required, with Cohen himself indirectly acknowledging significant operational deficiencies for the first time.

Engel criticized Cohen for acting as if his unit is unaccountable to any government ministry and highlighted data from a recent enforcement status meeting, which Cohen chose not to attend, showing a steep decline in enforcement actions over the past six months. Engel contrasted this with other enforcement bodies that have reported unprecedented enforcement levels recently. He rejected Cohen's explanations for the decline, such as a shortage of qualified inspectors, aerial photography issues, labor disputes, and the unit's office relocation, attributing the root cause to poor management and a culture of non-accountability.

Engel urged Cohen to directly approach the supervising minister to present the authority's challenges, warning that the minister has little patience for excuses or lack of responsibility. This letter was a response to Cohen's earlier letter warning that delays in the National Security Minister's signing of certification documents for new building inspectors are severely hampering local authorities' enforcement capabilities.

Cohen noted that since December 2025, dozens of inspectors who completed training and passed police checks are awaiting certification signatures, without which they cannot legally enforce regulations. He cited examples from municipalities including Lod, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Kiryat Gat, and the Abu Basma regional committee, where enforcement is impaired due to uncertified inspectors. Cohen also mentioned that delays affect inspectors' employment conditions, as full salary and bonuses depend on certification. He requested Engel's intervention to expedite the signing process, while Engel's letter places responsibility on the authority's management and operational approach.