The National Unit for Enforcing Planning and Construction Laws carried out enforcement measures on Monday at the grave site of the 1st-century BCE sage Honi Hame'agel in Hatzor Haglilit in the Upper Galilee, during which unauthorized structures were demolished. The measures were taken as part of the process of regulating the site, improving safety in the complex, and developing it for visitors.
The operation was conducted in conjunction with the State Prosecutor's Office Department for Directing Prosecutors and the Israel Police Directorate for Coordination of Enforcement Operations. The enforcement measures were also coordinated with the National Center for the Development of Holy Sites.
Honi Hame'agel's gravesite in Hatzor Haglilit is a religious and historic site visited by hundreds throughout the year. According to the National Unit for Enforcing Planning and Construction Laws, over the years, structures were erected at the site without authorization, and they were found to have safety and infrastructure deficiencies.
The National Unit for Enforcing Planning and Construction Laws noted that as part of the lessons learned from the 2021 Meron Disaster, in which 45 pilgrims were killed in a crowd crush incident, an emphasis is put on reducing hazards and risks at sites where large crowds gather. According to the unit, the activies at the site address hazards in advance and prevent dangers to the public.
It further stated that the enforcement actions were part of a wider process to develop and restore the site in accordance with the approved plan. The plan includes instructions for the development and preservation of the complex, as well as for the demolition of buildings that do not comply with the approved plan and that, according to the authority, pose a danger to the public.
The National Unit for Enforcing Planning and Construction Laws stated: "The enforcement operation at the Honi Hame’agel compound reflects the authority’s role in taking determined action against illegal construction, especially when it may endanger public safety. At a site visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year, construction violations and safety hazards cannot be ignored."
It added: "The authority will continue working to remove violations and hazards, restore proper planning order, and uphold the rule of law and public safety."