Kibbutz Movement Slams State Planning Policy Over TAMA 35 Housing Caps
Amendment 5 to TAMA 35, designed to increase housing density in Israeli kibbutzim, has sparked sharp friction between rural communities and state planning authorities over rigid bureaucracy and regulatory caps.
A panel discussion at the Globes Kibbutz Growth Conference, held in partnership with Israel Discount Bank and the Kibbutz Movement, highlighted mounting tensions between rural communities and state planning authorities over Amendment 5 to National Outline Plan 35 (TAMA 35).
Michi Drori, head of the legal department at the Kibbutz Movement, delivered sharp criticism during the session moderated by Globes Deputy Editor Dror Marmor. "The state asked the kibbutzim to grow, densify, and diversify, and we agreed and prepared accordingly," Drori said. "However, it appears the state itself panicked over its own decision, and through fine print, is torpedoing its own plan." Marmor noted that the amendment, initially embraced as a tool to remove housing unit limits and promote urban-style densification in rural areas, has faced fierce backlash. A joint letter from Kibbutz Movement Secretary-General Lior Simcha and Religious Kibbutz General Manager Sarah Evron condemned the reform, stating it had transformed "from a blessing to a curse" due to rigid bureaucracy and red tape.
Planning Administration CEO Rafi Almalich defended the state's position, arguing that comprehensive planning cannot cater to the individual demands of every single village or moshav. "We do not have the luxury as a state to allow everyone to individually design their living environment," Almalich stated, emphasizing the ongoing balancing act between densification and the preservation of agriculture and open natural spaces. He encouraged kibbutzim to adopt accessory dwelling units (ADUs), noting they are vital for aging parents, returning children, and clinics.
Architect and Technion lecturer Dr. Idit Schenhav-Ran viewed the amendment as an opportunity for architectural and social renewal, arguing that historical kibbutz models must adapt to modern density demands. Meanwhile, Tomer Greenspon, head of the mortgage division at Israel Discount Bank's banking division, reassured attendees of the financial sector's commitment. "We are not in a world of convenience, but in a world of solutions," Greenspon said, affirming that the bank continues to provide robust financing for kibbutz construction despite ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
