Comptroller Englman: We will soon publish an audit report on the government handling of reconstruction in Northern Israel

The State Comptroller and Ombudsman, Matanya Englman, visited (17.3.25) in Katzrin, and in Ghajar, near the Lebanese border.  The Comptroller hear reports about the significant challenges facing these municipalities.

Katzrin mayor, Yehuda Dua, showed the Comptroller homes and a public shelter that had been damaged by missiles launched by Hezbollah during the past year. The Comptroller also saw plans for building a new neighborhood that will double the population of Katzrin (currently 8,000).

The mayor of Ghajar, Dr. Achmad H'adar Fatali, described to the State Comptroller the major issues facing the municipality. These include, relocating the Lebanese border demarcation to rectify a mistake that occurred when Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000. The mayor also discussed bureaucratic snafus that have resulted, in his opinion, in modern fire-fighting equipment not being supplied.  This, despite the sensitive border location of the municipality and nearby fires resulting from the Swords of Iron War.

"The State Comptroller will publish shortly an audit report about the government's handling of reconstruction in Northern Israel", said Comptroller Englman. "The outlying municipalities, along the border region, deserve special attention by the government, especially in light of the Iron Swords War. We have seen the significant impact of the war on businesses and tourism. The government ministers must act decisively in dealing with the war related issues that face their respective ministries. There is no justification for border communities to face inequities in health, transportation and employment services". 

The Comptroller added that, "The municipalities are an extension of the national government in providing services to the residents of the outlying border areas. I call upon Interior Minister Arbel and Reconstruction Minister Elkin to formulate a budget that will enable the Katzrin municipality to successfully prepare for doubling its population. The Economics Ministry must formulate and implement a plan to encourage new businesses to locate in the Golan in order to facilitate economic growth in tandem with the demographic growth."

The State Comptroller emphasized that the responsible ministries must address the inequities in protecting the population and providing additional rescue services for the residents of Ghajar.