Inspectors Shocked as Palestinians Hid in a Sewer Channel

The Contractors Registrar Division at the Ministry of Construction and Housing, together with the Negev Contractors Association, Israel Police and the Tax Authority, led an enforcement operation today in the Kalanit and Rakefet neighborhoods of Beersheba. During the operation, illegal residents were found hiding in a sewer channel in an attempt to evade inspection. Violations were also exposed at construction sites, and enforcement proceedings were opened against parties suspected of violating the Contractors Registration Law.

As part of the activity, several construction sites were inspected in order to identify illegal contracting activity, including work being carried out by contractors not legally registered and the employment of workers in violation of the law. During the inspections, various violations were found, and at sites where suspicion arose of offenses being committed, an investigation was opened. According to the findings, closure orders are expected to be issued for the relevant sites.

During the operation, several illegal residents employed at construction sites were identified. Some tried to flee when the enforcement forces arrived, and in one case several illegal residents were found hiding inside a sewer channel in an attempt to evade the inspection. They were apprehended by Israel Police officers and transferred for further handling.

The activity is part of the enforcement policy led by the Ministry of Construction and Housing through the Contractors Registrar and Enforcement Division, with the aim of strengthening construction site safety, protecting the public and maintaining a professional, safe and lawful construction industry. The fight against illegal contracting and the employment of workers in violation of the law is intended to ensure fair competition in the industry, maintain construction quality and strengthen public trust.

Following the findings of the operation, Contractors Registrar at the Ministry of Construction and Housing Amit Grady is expected to examine additional enforcement measures against the parties found to be violating the law. Among other things, summoning for hearings, administrative measures, revocation of contractor licenses in appropriate cases, filing complaints with Israel Police and taking additional steps in accordance with the investigation findings and the provisions of the law will be considered.