150 shekels for the sea — Rishon LeZion considers strict restriction

The Rishon LeZion municipality is considering introducing a fee of 150 shekels for parking at city beaches on Fridays and Saturdays for residents of other cities. The initiative by Deputy Mayor Idan Mizrahi aims to reduce traffic jams and return the beach to local residents, who will continue to park for free. The proposal will be discussed by the city council in early September.

The Rishon LeZion municipality is considering introducing a fee of 150 shekels for parking at city beaches on Fridays and Saturdays for residents of other cities. The initiative by Deputy Mayor Idan Mizrahi aims to reduce the flow of visitors and alleviate severe traffic jams that occur along the city's relatively short coastline on weekends. Under the plan, Rishon LeZion residents will continue to park for free at municipal beach parking lots. Mizrahi, a member of Mayor Raz Kinstlich's coalition, stated that the goal of the proposal is "to return the beach to the residents of Rishon LeZion." He called the proposed fee "crazy," emphasizing that this is precisely its purpose: to deter residents of other cities in central Israel. The initiative may face opposition from environmental organizations and groups advocating for free access to public resources. A controversial factor is also the lack of public transportation on Saturdays, making a private car the only practical way to reach the beach for many visitors. The city council meeting is scheduled for early September.