Israel Lands Authority Provides Vague Update on Duvdevan Airfield Pollution Case
The pollution case at Duvdevan Airfield continues to face complications. Over the weekend, the Israel Lands Authority (ILA) submitted an update to the Herzliya Magistrate's Court regarding progress in soil contamination tests on private lands in the Gush Hagadol area. This update followed the court's rejection of a land allocation lottery requested by rights holders, who wanted a clearer understanding of the pollution's extent before proceeding. However, the ILA reported only procedural progress and necessary approvals for further investigation, without presenting any findings or pollution mapping, leaving the land allocation process stalled.
Attorney Doron Kochavi, representing the land managers, criticized the ILA's update for lacking clarity. He warned that until testing is completed and results, including identification of problematic plots, are published, the situation will negatively impact real estate transactions in the area. The ILA responded that the investigation is ongoing, the court has been informed of the exact status, and the investigation will be completed soon with information made public.
Simultaneously, legal actions are underway by plaintiffs seeking to cancel agreements due to the pollution discovery. For example, lawsuits filed against Gindi Israel by attorneys Yoram Tuval and Agam Hayek demand nullification of four option agreements signed in 2025 to purchase apartments in Gindi's Vogue project at Duvdevan, requesting a refund of approximately 1.55 million shekels. The plaintiffs claim they were unaware of the pollution at signing and would not have agreed otherwise. Following the Ministry of Environmental Protection's findings in February 2026, they refuse to live in a potentially hazardous area, citing risks of serious illnesses including cancer. They argue this is not regret or economic loss but a significant change in circumstances unknown at contract signing.
The plaintiffs also contend that even if the land is cleaned, exposure risks remain due to contamination from adjacent plots and public areas. They warn the pollution discovery will affect project timelines, mortgage approvals, and future property values. The lawsuit states that various stakeholders will need to prepare for delays, stricter building permits, and disputes over testing and remediation costs. No schedules or responsible parties for testing and financing have yet been defined.
Gindi Holdings responded that the plots have not yet been handed over to them, testing is incomplete, and no directives have been issued. Regarding the legal proceedings, the company rejects the claims and denies attempts to pressure it through the media, stating the defense will be conducted in court.
