Ben-Gvir Accuses Land Authority Director of Hindering Negev Enforcement Efforts
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has leveled serious accusations against Avi Cohen, the Director of the Land Authority, alleging that Cohen is obstructing government initiatives aimed at addressing illegal construction in the Negev region. In a strongly worded letter to the legal adviser of his ministry, Ben-Gvir expressed that Cohen is failing to fulfill his responsibilities, thereby undermining the enforcement of laws in the area.
Ben-Gvir contends that there has been a notable decrease in enforcement actions under Cohen's leadership, particularly in the Negev, despite increased efforts from other government entities. He stated, "The results speak for themselves - a significant decline in the authority’s enforcement activity across nearly the entire country and especially in the Negev."
The minister also criticized Cohen for his prolonged absence from work due to reserve duty, arguing that this has hindered participation in crucial ministerial discussions and negatively impacted the authority's operations. Ben-Gvir contrasted the Land Authority's performance with that of the Israel Land Authority and the Nature and Parks Authority, which he claims have seen a dramatic rise in enforcement actions against illegal construction in the Negev.
Additionally, Ben-Gvir accused Cohen of attempting to reduce enforcement efforts in Bedouin communities and other areas of crime, which he believes contradicts the policies of the National Security Ministry. He emphasized that this alleged reduction comes at a time when the government is trying to reverse years of lawlessness and promote new construction in the region.
The minister further alleged that Cohen is acting against Government Decision 1677 and is delaying the transfer of the authority to the National Security Ministry. He claimed that Cohen has refused to provide oversight, update staffing levels, or integrate the authority’s budget with the ministry's overall budget.
The dispute also involves the authorization of planning and construction inspectors. The ministry’s legal adviser, attorney Ariel Seizel, has raised concerns about the delay in signing authorization letters for inspectors, which has left approximately 45 inspectors unable to perform their duties since December 2025.
In response to Ben-Gvir's allegations, the Land Authority has rejected the claims, asserting that ministry documents indicate otherwise. They noted that requests for inspector authorizations have been pending since December 2025 and that the delay is not due to their actions but rather a lack of response from the minister's office.
Cohen has reportedly reached out to the ministry’s director-general, warning that the ongoing delays are adversely affecting enforcement in local authorities and the working conditions of inspectors. The authority maintains that the assertion of their responsibility for the delay is inconsistent with the documentation and repeated requests sent to the ministry for the necessary signatures.
