Ra'anana Mayor Walks Out of Housing Minister's Event Over Political Dispute

Ra'anana Mayor Haim Broide recently disrupted a housing agreement signing ceremony with Housing Minister Haim Katz, explaining his decision to leave due to political disagreements. The incident occurred shortly after Ra'anana secured its first housing agreement, just over two months before the national elections. Broide objected to the presence of two Likud members from Ra'anana invited by Katz, demanding they not attend. When Katz refused, Broide and his team exited the event, turning the ceremony into a political confrontation.

Broide, who has led Ra'anana for eight years and is also chairman of the Local Government Center's housing agreements committee, emphasized that no official is above the law. He described the event as more than a professional signing, highlighting its political significance and media attention. Broide recounted that after filing a petition to the High Court of Justice due to welfare service refusals, the government decided Ra'anana deserved a housing agreement. However, the presence of local Likud members at the signing felt like a primary election campaign, prompting his departure.

Broide, a former journalist and longtime local politician, stressed his apolitical stance despite personal views and his efforts to maintain a diverse community respecting different lifestyles, including introducing public transportation and cultural activities on Shabbat. He criticized the high housing prices in Ra'anana, which have made homeownership unattainable for many, including his own children. He also expressed concern over demographic changes and the emigration of young Israelis.

Reflecting on the current political climate, Broide voiced worries about attempts to disrupt upcoming elections and called for unity and responsibility from all sectors of society. He underscored his military background and commitment to law and order, stating that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law.