Tel Aviv, Israel – December 11: In a significant move to curb criminal infiltration into Israel’s construction sector, the Knesset has approved a bill spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The legislation, advanced by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Rui Kahlon, head of the Prime Minister’s Office for combating crime in Arab society, aims to dismantle the economic foundations of criminal organizations operating in the industry.
Key Provisions of the Bill
For the first time, the Registrar of Contractors has been granted authority to remove contracting corporations from the Contractors Register based on intelligence provided by the Israel Police. If a company is found to have ties to criminal organizations, it will face deregistration, effectively cutting off a critical source of funding for illicit activities.
“This reform represents a severe economic blow to criminal organizations that depend on construction corporations to finance their activities,” an official from the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
Implications and Next Steps
The new powers signal a broader strategy to combat organized crime infiltrating legitimate sectors. Additional measures to strengthen this reform are expected to be announced soon, reflecting the government’s commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of criminal organizations.
The Ministry of Construction and Housing emphasized that this legislation is a vital step in safeguarding Israel’s construction industry and protecting public resources from exploitation by criminal elements.
Broader Context
Criminal organizations infiltrating the construction sector have been a growing concern in Israel, particularly within Arab society. By introducing reforms targeting these entities, the government seeks to address the issue at its roots, reducing the economic and social impact of organized crime.
The passage of this bill underscores the Israeli government’s resolve to implement reforms aimed at fostering accountability and curbing the influence of criminal organizations across industries.
