National Security Minister Ben Gvir Criticizes Land Enforcement Chief Over Enforcement Drop in Negev

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has sharply criticized Avi Cohen, head of the Land Enforcement Authority, accusing him of undermining government policy on illegal construction enforcement in the Negev region. In a strongly worded letter to the ministry's legal advisor, Ben Gvir claimed that under Cohen's leadership, enforcement activities have significantly declined, particularly in the Negev, despite other enforcement bodies showing increased efforts.

Ben Gvir alleged that Cohen requested to halt focused enforcement against the Bedouin communities in the Negev and other crime targets, contradicting the ministry's policy and professional recommendations. The minister also accused Cohen of neglecting his duties due to extended reserve military service absences and criticized his decision to leave a deputy in charge, which Ben Gvir said harmed the authority's functioning.

The letter contrasted Cohen's approach with the Israel Land Authority and the Green Patrol, which reportedly have dramatically increased enforcement against illegal building in the Negev, working closely with the police. Ben Gvir further accused Cohen of resisting government decision 1677 by obstructing the transfer of the enforcement unit to the National Security Ministry, refusing oversight, withholding staffing updates, and not integrating the authority's budget into the ministry's general budget.

Additionally, Ben Gvir claimed Cohen has incited staff against the ministry and warned them that completing the transfer would force them to work in areas including Judea and Samaria. Earlier, the ministry's legal advisor, Ariel Sizel, requested Ben Gvir to sign authorization documents for dozens of planning and construction inspectors awaiting certification since December 2025, emphasizing that without these approvals, inspectors cannot enforce planning and building laws effectively.