Amos Luzon's giant project in Or Yehuda reaches the court

The Luzon Ronson company, owned by Amos Luzon, claims that one of its largest and most important urban renewal projects is in danger due to Adv. Yitzhak Buchovza, who previously served as mayor of Or Yehuda. The company filed a request with the Tel Aviv District Court for a temporary injunction against Buchovza to restrict his communication with the project's residents. According to Luzon, Buchovza is acting in bad faith, and his continued activity among the residents could torpedo the project.

The project in Or Yehuda was acquired by Luzon as part of the purchase of the construction company A. Dori in 2016 and was considered one of the central projects in his asset portfolio. At the time, it was held by A. Dori Or Yehuda (50%) and Ella Ezra Investments (50%). It includes 128 apartments slated for demolition, to be replaced by 744 apartments in 12 towers. When purchased, the resident consent rate stood at about 60%, but the project remained stalled for several years. In 2023, Luzon purchased Ella Ezra's share for 105.5 million shekels, becoming the sole controlling owner.

Luzon is demanding to prevent Buchovza's involvement in complex 1001. The request claims that Buchovza helped one family oppose the project and subsequently met with other residents to obtain powers of attorney. According to the filing, the refusing family set up a synagogue in the building's shelter, and Buchovza supported their position with an affidavit. Luzon alleges that Buchovza presented himself to residents as someone promoting the project while concealing his representation of the refusing family, and blamed the Luzon company for delays.

The request, filed by Adv. Dudi Frachia and Kobi Assig of the Frachia Assig & Co. firm, claims that Buchovza's actions involve a conflict of interest, deception, and bad faith, violating Israel Bar Association ethics, such as meeting with clients without their legal counsel present. It is further claimed that the project is on the verge of implementation and that Buchovza's interference could delay it for months or even years.

In response, Buchovza told Calcalist that this is an intimidation lawsuit, noting that the project has been stalled for years due to commercial disputes. "I just want to spur the project, and my consideration will be 10% of the receipts I obtain for those who sign with me. I represent people who did not sign for Luzon, and I am allowed to do so," he stated. Buchovza dismissed claims regarding the urgency of the project due to building safety or tensions with Iran as "cynical," adding that these claims were not established by the city engineer.