Israel's municipalities are failing on nearly every possible front, government probe reveals

A government probe has exposed widespread failures within Israeli municipalities, revealing that local authorities are falling short on essential services that shape the daily lives of citizens.

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makes enforcement more efficient

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman's annual report on local government found that municipalities and government ministries are often aware of necessary improvements but have failed to implement them. The report points to systemic issues across various fronts, including traffic enforcement cameras, social worker caseloads, urban renewal, business licensing, climate planning, and building safety.

Concerns were raised about the use of traffic enforcement cameras, with Englman noting that while they can increase efficiency, their use "may harm the privacy of passersby, and therefore requires careful examination and proportionate and limited use." An audit of four authorities found that cameras issued around 112,000 tickets worth approximately NIS 44 million in 2024, but management of these cameras was often problematic, with some authorities retaining images of sufficient quality to identify individuals.

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may harm the privacy of passersby, and therefore requires careful examination and proportionate and limited use.

The report also highlighted that the Transportation Ministry had not compelled local authorities to enforce bus-lane offenses, despite having the authority to do so since late 2022. Englman recommended that authorities regularly assess whether enforcement cameras still serve their original purpose and cease or relocate them if not. The findings suggest a significant gap between identified needs and actual implementation, impacting public services and safety.

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Local authorities must use enforcement cameras in a proportionate and fair manner, and for the purpose of achieving the goal of enforcing traffic laws, while protecting the right to privacy of passersby