Likud Candidate Challenges Illegal Construction at Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem

Attorney Yair Gabay, a Likud candidate in the Jerusalem, West Bank, and Shfela primaries, has launched a vigorous campaign against unauthorized construction at the Turkish consulate compound in Jerusalem. Gabay, an expert in planning and construction law, claims that the consulate has carried out building work without the necessary permits and refuses to cooperate with Israeli enforcement authorities. He demands that Israeli planning and building laws be applied to the consulate area, emphasizing that Jerusalem is not lawless territory and foreign states cannot exempt themselves from local laws.

Gabay's campaign began after he gathered information about the illegal construction activities and has since been pressing municipal and state authorities to take legal action. He highlights the broader sovereignty issue, arguing that Israeli citizens must comply with all planning regulations while foreign diplomatic missions should not be allowed to violate them under the guise of diplomatic immunity. He calls on Jerusalem Municipality and relevant government bodies to persist with enforcement measures and ensure that Turkey abides by Israeli law within the city.

This struggle gains added significance amid rising political tensions and public criticism of Turkey's expanding presence in Jerusalem. Gabay vows to continue his efforts until full enforcement sovereignty is established over the consulate premises.