Israeli Giant Flag Removed After Legal Battle Between Owner and Local Authorities

A massive Israeli flag that flew over Kfar Shmaryahu for the past two years was taken down on Tuesday following a legal dispute between its owner, Boaz Hayun, and the Herzliya municipality and local council. The court ruled that the 40-meter-high flagpole, bearing a flag measuring 10 by 17 meters, must be removed. Hayun was present during the removal and expressed mixed feelings, stating he raised the flag to unite the nation and chose not to appeal the ruling to avoid further division. "Sometimes you have to know when to let go," he told ynet.

The Herzliya local planning and building committee had previously issued an administrative demolition order for the flagpole, which Hayun did not comply with. Multiple appeals he filed were rejected by various courts. The council also accused Hayun of harassment due to repeated threats against its employees. Despite the removal, Hayun plans to relocate the flag to different locations across Israel, saying he will place it wherever communities want it until local authorities create their own flags. He warned that maintaining the flag is demanding and costly, requiring constant supervision and upkeep.

Hayun explained that after the October 7 attacks, he realized the absence of flags sent a weak message to adversaries. He said, "The abundance of flags will make it clear we are here to stay." He recalled that shortly after raising the flag, the local council head opposed it and initiated a campaign against it, leading to the court case. Even the judge who visited the site opposed the flag, resulting in the removal order.

The Kfar Shmaryahu council emphasized that the issue is not personal against Hayun but about respecting judicial rulings. Hayun denied allegations that he sought permission to build a structure at the site, asserting the land will never be sold or monetized. The council rejected his claims, stating he never received approval for the flagpole, and both the Herzliya local committee and the regional committee denied his appeals due to building violations.