The newly formed Tekuma ("Revival") Administration that has been tasked with helping rebuild the decimated communities from the Oct. 7 attack has recently decided to advance legislation that would allow the rapid construction of homes for evacuees, potentially threatening nature reserves and forests in Israel, prompting KKL-JNF to warn that while it considered the renewal of the communities through housing solutions a paramount priority, this should not come at the expense of the quality of life and the environment in Israel.
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On Sunday, the Knesset will hold a hearing on the objections raised to various plans by the Tekuma ("Revival") Administration.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski sent an urgent letter to the Chairman of the Knesset House Committee and the directors-general of the Prime Minister's Office and the Interior Ministry, the head of the Tekuma Administration, the heads of planning authorities, warning of the danger and emphasizing that forests are public property belonging to the entire public.
"The forested areas shape the variety of the country's landscapes, and their contribution is crucial in preserving ecological systems," wrote Ovadia-Luski. "Already today, we witness a significant reduction in open spaces in Israel, with an emphasis on forested areas. Preserving these areas contributes to the quality of life and national resilience. There is no justification for distinguishing between protected areas. They are equally important for all the country's residents."
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