Towards regulating the site: illegal structures demolished at the Honi Ha'Me'agel tomb complex
The National Land Enforcement Authority demolished structures built without permits at the complex as part of a move to regulate the site, rehabilitate it, and improve visitor safety. The activity comes against the backdrop of infrastructure defects and hazards identified at the site, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually, and follows lessons learned from the Meron disaster.
The National Land Enforcement Authority carried out enforcement activity today, Monday, at the Honi Ha'Me'agel tomb complex in Hatzor HaGlilit, during which illegal structures were demolished. The activity was carried out as part of the move to regulate the site, improve safety in the complex, and develop it for the benefit of the visiting public.
The Honi Ha'Me'agel tomb complex in Hatzor HaGlilit is a religious and historical site that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the year. Over the years, structures were built on the complex grounds without permits, and safety and infrastructure defects were identified at the site. Following the lessons learned from the Meron disaster, the National Land Enforcement Authority has placed special emphasis on reducing hazards and risks at sites where large crowds gather and is carrying out preventive actions before a disaster occurs.
The enforcement actions at the complex are part of a broad move intended to enable the development and rehabilitation of the site in accordance with the approved plan for the location. The plan includes provisions for the development and preservation of the complex as well as for the demolition of structures that do not comply with the approved planning and, as mentioned, pose a danger to the public.
The enforcement at the complex is coordinated with the National Center for the Development of Holy Places, with the goal of allowing the public to continue visiting the site safely and to prevent danger.
The National Land Enforcement Authority stated:
"The enforcement at the Honi Ha'Me'agel complex reflects the Authority's role to act decisively against illegal construction, especially when it may endanger public safety. In a place visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually, there is no room for turning a blind eye to building violations and safety hazards. The Authority will continue to act to remove violations and hazards, to restore planning order, and to maintain the rule of law and public safety."
